17 July 2015

Mangrove removal begins in the Manukau Harbour

Work to remove mangroves in the Manukau Harbour has begun as part of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board’s mangrove management initiative.

Over the next few months mangroves will be removed from 1.5 hectares of the harbour at Kiwi Esplanade, 4.2 hectares at Mahunga Drive, and 1.1 hectares at Norana Park.

Local Board Chair Lemauga Lydia Sosene says the project has been fast-tracked as a priority under the Local Board Plan and Council’s recent Long Term Plan.

“We’re really big on safeguarding the quality and future of our harbour so it’s accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” says Ms Sosene.

“These areas are significant sites for fishing, boating, and waka ama activities and residents have been pretty clear the mangroves must go.

“Removing mangroves was a concern in our first term and we dedicated resources to properly identify and select removal sites based on ecological, geological, recreational and heritage values,” Ms Sosene says.

“We’ve made it a priority under our local board plan and with sites now identified and consented, mangrove removal has been fast-tracked with $500,000 dedicated over three years,” says Local Board Deputy Chair Carrol Elliot.

“There are plenty of measures in place to ensure minimal disturbance of wildlife. The method of removal is simple and safe with no tracked or wheel-based equipment used in the Coastal Marine Area.

“Work has already started in the Mahunga Drive area so it’s completed before the nesting season of the Banded Rail and other local endangered bird species,” Ms Elliot says.

Treesafe Ltd, the company that has also undertaken work in the Pahurehure Inlet and the Manurewa Puhinui Inlet, has been contracted to undertake the removals, set to be completed in September.

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