Mangrove removal begins in Mangere

Auckland Council Local board deputy chairwoman Carrol Elliot and chairwoman Lydia Sosene watch a Treesafe contractor at work on the mangroves.

Watersport lovers might soon be able to enjoy all Manukau Harbor has to offer including fishing, boating and waka ama activities.

Work to remove mangroves has begun as part of the Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board's mangrove management initiative.

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.

Board chairwoman Lydia Sosene says fast-tracking the programme is a priority and the board has dedicated $500,000 to the project over three years.

"We're really big on safeguarding the quality and future of our harbour so it's accessible and enjoyable for everyone," she says.

"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."
Deputy chairwoman Carrol Elliot says no tracked or wheel-based equipment will be used to ensure minimal disturbance of wildlife.

"Work has already begun in the Mahunga Drive area so it's completed before the nesting season of the banded rail and other local endangered bird species," Elliot says.

Mangroves will be cut at or below the harbour bed. At the end of each week the cuttings will be either hand-carried, towed on a skid, placed on a barge or removed by helicopter.
Treesafe Ltd, the company that has also undertaken work in Papakura's Pahurehure Inlet and Manurewa's Puhinui Inlet, has been contracted to do the work which should be completed in September.


MANUKAU COURIER