Meeting of local residents held at 67 Motuhara Rd.

, Plimmerton, Sunday 9th March 2014 Present: Linda Kerkmeester, Robin Patterson, Te Rina Leonard, Mike Williams, Michelle Brunt Apologies: Julie Patterson, Paul Swallow Background Following the Council led initiative in 2012 around engaging local communities in a partnership model with the Council over areas of significant vegetation, a group of interested local residents have begun networking to try to help the development of a more sustainable management plan for the region covering roughly, the properties, verges and road reserve from #55 Motuhara Road to the crest of the hill at #71. Points arising: The group acknowledged the need for more pro-active management of the unique local vegetation to maintain the current levels of biodiversity and to conserve the indigenous flora for future generations. A walk from #55 Motuhara to #71 revealed widespread proliferation of introduced climbing weed species (Old Mans Beard) on a scale requiring specialised tools to access and remove safely. Concerns were raised about the aging demographics of the high canopy species (particularly of hardwood species like kanuka, threatening the health and safety of local residents and their families both above and below the road boundary. The annual practice of using high mowers by Council sub-contractors on the road margins was condemned for not addressing any of these issues. Several reported instances of residents replanting projects, aimed at regeneration, being mown down and plants destroyed. The offer of Council support around providing suitable native plants for regeneration projects by the group thought to be a very positive step at restoring confidence and giving residents some practical tools to get the partnership working. The need to identify, mark and take out rotten, aged and dangerous trees above and below the road was considered a priority in the aftermath of the storm damage in 2013. More severe weather events forecast for 2014 suggest that there will be further damage, on an even greater scale, unless some remedial action is taken. (It was noted that the only property untouched by the 2013 spring storm in the area was #67 Motuhara, where an arborist had been employed to tidy the canopy trees) Canopy trees touching/falling onto aerial cables raised concerns around fire. Access to attend such fires would be a major issue in Motuhara Rd. because of the restricted access, the high density kanuka stands both sides of the road and the likely scenario of rapid spread of sparks and debris in high winds. The group identified a need for Council support in disposing of weeds, vegetation, litter and bush debris - bottles, cans and

rubbish dumped onto properties. Possibly a skip delivered to the neighbourhood periodically? ( # 67 Motuhara car-port has been volunteered for this) All weeds and rubbish need removal but landfill costs can be prohibitive around large volumes. Lastly is the special case of the reserve itself and the gully, from # 55 Motuhara headed South. The steep access from the road makes it the ideal spot for the illicit dumping of waste anything from car parts to refrigerators. While anxious to help in a conservation drive, the group urge the Council to take a lead in cleaning up and removing the larger items as they constitute a health and safety risk. The items are also an open invitation for others to follow suit and dump more, further contaminating this unique ecosystem. Access is impossible from this point without abseil gear and what is needed is a legitimate access point (staircase?) off the bend which might at least signal to the public that the gully is an area of ecological significance, especially if signage and fencing was erected with threats of fines to deter future dumping into the gully below. The gully area is dangerous for local children to explore in current state.

Proposed

Residents to work collaboratively to maintain the vegetation themselves, with Council support around arborist help for taller hazards, replanting and weed removal. Cessation of high mower maintenance in upper Motuhara Rd - #55 to #71 roughly, forthwith. A meeting on-site between Council management and resident group representatives, at the earliest opportunity, to discuss the concerns and to work in partnership to try and address.

12th March 2014 .

Mike Williams (#67 resident)