May 07, 2020
Orakei compromise not suitable for Owairaka conditions
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Thanks but no thanks.
That’s the response of Tupuna Maunga Authority chair Paul Majurey to a suggestion the stand-off over Ōwairaka-Mt Albert could be resolved by following what Ngāti Whātua-Ōrakei has done with the ecological restoration of Takaparawhau-Bastion point.
Ōrakei deputy chair Ngarimu Blair says his iwi left in place some of the exotic trees that were holding up steep cliffs, a suggestion that had been embraced by Honour the Maunga protesters, who are blocking the removal of 345 pest trees.
Mr Majurey says every maunga has unique challenges.
"In this case through a deluge of expert ecological input the approach the authority is taking pursuant to the integrated management plan and the strategies backed by Forest & Bird, The Tree Council and Auckland Council in terms of its defence of the action by the protest group is that this is the appropriate restoration strategy for Ōwairaka- Te Ahi Ka o Rakataura- Mount Albert," he says.
Mr Majurey says the authority tried to find common ground with the protesters, but the only compromise Honour the Maunga would accept seems to be for the trees to be cut in 30 years time when other plantings have grown up.
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