4 minute read
Letters: kauri dieback and Titirangi toilets; Lockdown art
Dear Editor,
It’s over three years since Auckland Council locked the public out of the Waitākere Ranges, saying that human and animal foot traffic was spreading a newly introduced pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida (PTA) through the forest and that it was decimating kauri.
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It is becoming increasingly apparent that the council stance is not supported by science, history or observation.
A recent investigation of PTA using genome sequencing found that it has been dispersed throughout North Island kauri areas for “between several hundred and several thousand years.” The same study notes that it is unlikely that PTA is spread by “human-mediated transport”. Similarly, pigs were initially touted as spread vectors. This rhetoric has faded after two studies of a large number of wild pigs have found no PTA on trotters or snouts.
These two points, that PTA is endemic and that there is no evidence of human transmission, contradict the reasons that the Council used to close the park.
Council says that PTA will decimate the kauri population of the Waitākeres. This is also not supported following observations made on Great Barrier Island. The influence of PTA on kauri ill-thrift was first recognised in New Zealand on the island in the early 1970s. 50 years later the same kauri stands are flourishing, not decimated as Council would have us believe.
Aerial surveys from 2012 and 2017 have been used to justify the closure of tracks. These studies were critically reviewed, failed to identify causes of ill-thrift and drew unjustified conclusions. They also failed to mention that of the 149 very sick trees actually tested for PTA, 75% were dying from other causes.
Since the 1870s the Waitākeres have been logged, burnt, farmed and supported major infrastructure developments. As the area recovers it does so from a new base – soil biochemistry, species dispersal, run-off patterns, wind exposure, and so on are all different. It is not surprising that some kauri will not be viable, and will die to make way for the more robust to survive. This is what we would expect in a regenerating ecosystem. Council has robbed the public of a major wilderness experience that sits on the edge of the country’s biggest city. We can’t take our kids down to the creeks to look for eels or to battle our way up the ridge lines. Walkers, runners and those wanting to reinforce their mental and emotional well-being in the forest, have all been denied their rights by a mis-guided Council.
Yours, Bob Armitstead
Ed: Observations in and around Titirangi suggest that kauri are indeed dying in surprisingly large numbers and the Village skyline has changed dramatically in the last 15 years. As kauri dieback disease appears the most likely cause, it seems smart to control its spread. And if PTA is not to blame, control is even more important until the cause is known. The closure of the Ranges has not been popular but there are times when civic responsibility outweighs concepts of ‘ownership’ or ‘rights’. And if that means allowing time for research to be conducted, so be it. N.B: A bibliography of the research cited above has been provided. Email info@ fringemedia.co.nz for a copy.
Dear Editor,
Was wondering if you could throw some light on when we may have operational public toilets in the Village.
I am aware of a past article that indicated these would be located by the bus stop/ rimu tree, but that it was still going through the consent process.
Bearing in mind we have not had a toilet in the Village for considerable time (two years?), I am getting to the end of my tether being reliant on the goodwill of local cafés for either myself or grandchildren. If the Memorial Hall is open that is another option but with grandkids not always a practical one – when they want to go they want to go now!
I am also aware of the slow pace of the construction process, that will only be made worse with Covid lockdown.
What I’m about to suggest is not something I ever thought would be necessary: Portaloos - but desperate times require desperate measures.
Regards Chris Iszard, local resident of 56 years.
Ed: The most recent information I have from Council is that “the team is working towards physical works commencing on site in March 2023 and construction will take approximately 8 – 10 weeks.” Can you hold on for another 18 months?
Delve into your photo albums – Titirangi School is turning 150!
In 2022 Titirangi School marks 150 years as a formal school. The school is getting ready to mark the moment and has put a call out to the community for photos, video or stories from any time in the school’s existence - recent history too. Can you help? Email office@titirangi.school.nz. All original copies provided will be returned to you.
Lockdown Art
