Mauku Residents – We need your help for a Growing Community Asset.
Please Release Me.
Who: Young native trees. (From nasty aggressive foreign invaders such as gorse, inkweed, blackberry, privet and woolly nightshade).
Where:Auckland Council Reserve opposite St Brides on the other side of Mauku Stream. Access is on Findlay Rd by Mauku bridge via St Brides land.
When: You choose – any time that suits you and your friends or family. All we ask is that you donate a minimum of 2 hours a month starting January through until May.
Bring: A tool such as a sharp spade, shovel or hoe.
Contact Person: Deborah Savill 2363 051 – for further information.
For permanent control any weeds must be cut off below ground level – not above. For locals there is absolutely no charge and in return you can be proud of playing a part in establishing a potentially beautiful native bush block for all the community and native birds to enjoy. Also you will receive some upper body strength benefits combined with a pleasant walk along some already formed tracks with the company of tui, fantail and the occasional kereru. The weeds are not yet large so almost anyone is capable of at least dealing to a few.
The land was in pines that were harvested. Much of this was replanted in natives 2 – 3 years ago. Whakaupoko Landcare believes it is best to keep the area weed free so that the area can be used as a great community asset for people to enjoy walking through. There are weed seedlings that will dominate for the next 30 – 50 years if we do not act now. In the Mauku area there is limited land where there is public access for all in the community to share. Here is a great opportunity with just a little help from locals to make this space a great place.
Auckland Council is assisting where possible despite the Reserve area not high on their priority list. They are helping with funding more native trees, some fencing and may also help with weed control. This is in line with their mission statement to work collaboratively with communities. Their support is much appreciated.
The reserve does have legal paper road access but as yet this is undeveloped. The current access for the purpose of weed control, is for a 6 month period and is via St Brides land by the Mauku Bridge on Findlay Rd. There will be signage at this point and we ask that the community please respect the access for weed control provided by St Brides. Also respect any stock that may be grazing on the land. Ensure that gates are left as they are found.
The area is close to 1 ha. It is opposite a site on St Brides where the community recently planted native trees along the Mauku stream on St Brides land that was previously just gorse. It is opposite the Mauku Cemetry where again the community has been planting more native trees along the potentially beautiful Mauku Stream. What has been a non native weed infested area for many years could become a real community asset for all to enjoy in the future with a little help from locals. We welcome your participation.