Auckland’s Tupuna Maunga Authority could be facing another occupation, as residents of Ōtahūhū prepare to challenge any further felling of exotic trees on Ōtahūhū/Mount Richmond.
The authority has been in a long stand-off with Mt Albert residents over its plan to clear Ōwairaka and replant with native vegetation and has also faced opposition at Mangere Mountain and Ōhuiarangi / Pigeon Mountain.
Shirley Waru says she has been walking dogs on the maunga for 30 years and supported its return to mana whenua.
But she was alarmed when the authority felled an olive grove on a non-notified basis, despite being told there were ruru nesting in the trees.
Other trees also face the chop, but the community is rallying.
“We’re at the mountain very early every morning to see what is happening and if the chainsaws come out, we are mobilising ourselves now with a strategic plan to move on to the mountain and camp and sit it out until somebody sees some sense,” Ms Waru says.
Shirley Waru says replanting of the mountain has had mixed results, with many of the plants dying.
