The Fernglen Rd access issue has been going a while. There is a linked article from 2015, the latest article is 2018. I tried to get access with a group a while ago & got turned back. Unfortunately it is one of the areas where continued pressure is needed, otherwise ‘the road will revert to its natural state’ & access will disappear.
Further up on the Napier/Taupo Rd, the Waipunga Rd is an example of where pressure over a public easement has been successful in removing gates, but the forestry co is now not maintaining the access ways well, I’m guessing in an attempt to discourage or limit access.