Huia Sea Wall redux

Comments

10 responses to “Huia Sea Wall redux”

1. 

   Peter

   April 9, 2015

   And how did the trees roots become to be in this situation ? Well we all know that the local board had the rocks removed that were in front of the tree and protected the tree and the shoreline from the sea. Why did the Council remove the rocks?
   It was obvious that removing the rocks would provide the results we have. So one must assume the rocks were removed for the purpose of undermining the tree and eroding the shoreline. eventually this will undermine the toilet block. Which is another thing Council want to remove (as per last meeting)

   Reply
   1. 

      gregpresland

      April 9, 2015

      Hi Peter I have no idea. This had nothing to do with the local board and I was not even aware that they were being moved. I will find out and let you know.

      Reply
      1. 

         Peter

         April 10, 2015

         Hi greg. Yes the board is involved as Denise Yates apparently approved the removal after consultation with Grant Jennings I believe. Ive just read http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/67664119/Protesters-gather-to-save-Auckland-pohutukawa-tree as reported today.

         Grant Jennings failed to advise the reporter here that the erosion was caused by Council removing the rocks that protected the shoreline (about 5 months ago). All the locals looked on wide eyed when we were told at the 1st Public meeting that the rocks were removed to save the shore ! DOH.

         Council caused this issue. JUST PUT THE ROCKS BACK and save the tree, save the shoreline. Save the domain.

         As a longtime local of 37 years in Huia, and like many folk who live there, we are directly connected to the sea and the land. And we love living there. We love it when townies come out and share our special time-warp place. Its not just locals who will miss out on a great park at the Huia Domain – its all of Auckland.

         Huia Domain gets packed out with families….why does the board want to get rid of it. Why dont the board honour the District Plan recommendations that we all agreed on ? That the seawall needs urgent repair and enhancement.

         Reply
         1. 

            gregpresland

            April 11, 2015

            Dear Peter

            I can categorically state that Denise had nothing to do with the decision to remove the rocks. And the last thing the Board wants to see is the loss of any open space.

            Reply
2. 

   Paul Ashley

   April 9, 2015

   I have concerns how this is being “played out”

   Yesterday I was there when the truck arrived to cut down the Pohutukawa tree

   Strange thing was the Park Ranger was also surprised to see workmen about to enter the domain and start their chainsaws.

   There are several issues that need addressing about what is and is not true.

   The removal of rocks placed into the car park that was stopping erosion while decisions were being made. This has increased the speed of erosion.

   The general consensus of Huia community is they want the cheaper rebuild of the seawall than the more expensive loss of 55% domain to the sea.

   Denise Yates didn’t help your cause when she said at a public meeting “it is your own fault for buying a house below sea level” Of course there is “NO Issue” unless the seawall is removed.

   The issue of what was going to happen to the toilet and changing rooms was not thought out. One of your fellow board members had the audacity to suggest that came out of different funding. Surfice to say only one lot of funding is available to the Auckland City Council and that is “Rate Payer” even money given by the Crown to Auckland needs comes from rate payers of Auckland thru taxation.

   City Councils are always wanting their communities to take responsibility and this should be encouraged. Now that this community has spoken you as an elected official should listen to the people and do as they request this is called Democracy! Strange that New Zealand is sending MP to Europe; as the Prime Minister John Key Said; ” New Zealand has a proud history of a long and stable democracy ”

   What you and your board are doing is not in my opinion democratic and needs to stop forthwith!

   Reply
   1. 

      gregpresland

      April 9, 2015

      Thanks for your comments Paul. I have spoken to officers and there is no way that they would allow the road to be undermined. Residential houses are safe. The local board was as surprised as the park ranger at what happened.

      I see that the removal of the rocks is a significant issue. As I said above this was not a board decision.

      Reply
3. 

   kenny paton

   April 9, 2015

   HI Greg

   there seems to be a lot of dodging and no answers – perhaps you can tell me and the Huia community

   Who ordered the removal of the rocks – which were slowing the erosision down

   Who sped up the instruction to treescape to come and attempt to carry out work ahead of schedule and before the scheduled meeting next week when its on the agenda — both councillors deny any involvement – but officials were adamant that was where the direction came from – I can here it now Agenda item – tree – what should we do now its been cut down …….. lets consider our options ?

   Why was the original contractor not ordered to rebuild the work which was so obviously not fit for purpose –

   If the Board is not responsible for any of these decisions – then what are they responsible for

   There is nothing wrong with the toilet block – why was funding for a new block suddenly available after/ during the debate on what option to take

   At what point will we the ratepayers and local community be given any real say in the decision making processes – or do we have to wait three years to vote in a new group of councillors to decide what our community facilities should look like!!

   Reply
   1. 

      gregpresland

      April 9, 2015

      Hi Kenny

      No dodging. I did not even know that the rocks were removed until today. I understand the staff made a decision to do this and it was on the basis that there was scouring of the bank happening even with the rocks in place.

      I received some emails about the tree and officer’s belief that it should be felled. I and other board members asked for more information. We received the arborist report last Thursday. We have not been able to respond and did not sanction the decision to send Treescape out.

      I do not know what discussions have been had with the original contractor but there is a limitation period (six years) that applies and if Council is out of time this will pose problems.

      The Board has exactly the amount of power that the super city legislation gives it. I hear you about powers and responsibilities. If it was up to me Waitakere City would still exist and have full power over these sorts of decisions. As it is the local board has input into park’s decisions, it has roughly $640k in the budget for repairs to the wall and if a new wall is to be constructed then Council will need to be approached for the money.

      With regards to the toilet block there is money for its maintenance and at some stage its renewal. The money has been in the budget for some time.

      Next Tuesday by all means come along to the meeting and have your say.

      Reply
4. 

   Peter

   April 10, 2015

   I have just seen a post on HuiaSOS’s facebook page from Sandra Coney to confirm that the rocks were removed from the shore as they were causing erosion.

   DOH. and ya took the rocks away. What protection then does clay and topsoil have agin the sea during a storm.

   Sandra’ Coneys post confirms that I have stated facts previously.

   The lunatics have now taken control of the asylum. Put the rocks back. Replace the clay and topsoil that has been eroded by the idiotic act.

   Why is the board bent on destroying our Domain. Man if we dont fix this my future grandchildren will ask me why did I let this Domain disappear. The seawall protects the shoreline which is where it exists today and since time immemorial. No one can disagree with that. its a fact.

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5. 

   bestforthewest

   April 10, 2015

   Dear Greg There are some outrageous claims on your blog.

   Here are Denise’s actual words back to parks when she received a message from parks to inform board members it was planned to remove the tree. This communication was received by board members at the same time as community members. Denise said:

   “There will be a great deal of opposition to this plan to cut down the pohutukawa in front of the toilets at Huia Domain.”

   Sandra Coney

   Reply