Pohutukawa protectors out in force

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Among the plots of Kaipara District Council-owned land earmarked for sale is a tree-clad section in View St, Maungaturoto.

However a group of locals including Residents Association chairperson Terri Donaldson, landscaper-artist Richard Moore, and project co-ordinator Carl Miller see a much more valuable future for the plot as a childrens playground.

“It would support building a home but it’s an odd shape,” says Terri Donaldson. “It is also home to three pohutukawa trees and a grove of golden ash 30-40 years old, and as we are trying to maintain a town beautification project it would be sad to see them felled when there is a viable option for the site, not just for locals but also for the growing number of visitors to the town”.

A delegation recently met KDC Commissioners on site to discuss their proposal. This was followed up with an address and a submission to council at last week’s meeting when the KDC agreed to freeze any further movement on a sale pending their decision.

“Community support is high and locals are keen to pitch in and do any work necessary to develop the plan, but first of all we need to secure the land with the goodwill of Council,” she added. “We got a fair hearing from Council and we came away feeling very positive about the outcome.”

Project Crimson have not been involved in discussions but a spokesman said that any solution in favour of the pohutukawa trees would be a good outcome.

While Council is keen to tidy up unused pockets of land dotted throughout the area, the formation of this section into a park or playground would be in keeping with Council’s policy of maintaining as many green areas as possible.

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OPTIONS: Terri Donaldson, pictured, supports the development of a playground on a piece of council land previously for sale.