Community support for Tauranga Botanical Park

Tauranga residents were keen to find out about their botanical parks future at the public meeting last night with over 200 people attending. Elected members present were City Councillors Larry Baldock, Catherine Stewart, Terry Molloy, Murray Guy and Regional Councillor/Former Council CEO Paula Thompson.

Former chairman of the parks board of trustees Richard Hart who organised the meeting gave a history of Sydenham Botanical Park to date including past design proposals.

Craig Roebuck of Guardian Trust outlined the Trust Deed. The main focus was what will happen if councillors choose to go ahead with their decision to reject the gifted land. The answer was that it would have to be taken to the High Court to decide a new purpose. He said unfortunately the court cost of approx $100,000 would actually have to be paid for by selling the land with left over money being organised by the High Court for distribution to charities. It was also pointed out by Craig that the native trees already planted meet the deeds sub-tropical botanical requirements.

Graham and Mavis Dyer who donated the parks kauri trees have just won the 2011 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards Supreme award. Graham was upset that council had changed its mind about keeping the park and said “it is insulting”.

Graeme Platt of Auckland, a world renowned nurseryman and leading NZ expert on native trees spoke passionately about the parks kauri collection. He explained that the climate in Tauranga and its soil conditions make it a unique place for this species to flourish better than anywhere else. He didn’t think people realised the true value of the trees which he estimated at $180,000. “This is the best collection of kauri species in the world with 14 different varieties and will in time become a major attraction” he said.

Councillor Baldock who chaired the meeting explained that the city council was in debt and needed to cut expenses. When asked how council spends $30,000 per year on the parks maintenance Marie Gordon Manager of City Parks said this was the budget allowed, but actual annual costs were $10,000-$20,000 depending on work needed. They agreed that without Sydenham Park the only park within easy walk for Brookfield residents is Lees Park, a small corner site surrounded by busy roads.

Local Resident Andy Adams said there has been strong community support for his park petition. Personal friends of the late Frank Sydenham spoke of how much he loved plants and always wanted to give back to the community, especially to help educate young people. Tauranga Regional Kindergarten Principal Peter Monteith said “our 1500 pre-schoolers will be able to visit this inner city botanical park without a long bus ride out of town”.

Offers have been made by Tauranga businesses to provide cheaper mowing options, free signage and free trees. A list of park volunteers is being collected and Councillor Thompson offered to “bake cakes or do whatever it takes to help raise money for the park”.

The general consensus was that the community needs to pull together, send in council submissions and work in a positive way with council to ensure the park is kept regardless of future proposals. Staff from Tauranga Environment Centre offered to help organise supporters until a new group was formed to fundraise for park development so ratepayers don’t get handed the bill. Councils Draft Annual Plan submissions close 20 April 2011. Submissions can be done 3 ways: over the phone 577 7000, with forms available from council or online at www.tauranga.govt.nz/have-your-say

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