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.
ends