What's New
14 April, 2021
Environmental work in line for funding injection
Efforts to eradicate pests, plant natives and bring back birdlife are set for a big boost across the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Area.
Board members have discussed more than doubling the amount allocated to the Restoring Takarunga Hauraki and Pupuke Birdsong projects for the 2021-22 financial year, up from $50,000 to $110,000.
Currently, each programme has a part-time environmental co-ordinator to spearhead community volunteers in trapping and weeding reserves. They also advocate and educate around environmental issues, run workshops, distribute plants and encourage bird counts and healthy home gardens.
“They’re both incredible workers and work well above the hours they are paid to do, and they make a measurable difference,” says board member Toni van Tonder.
Council staff recommended more support for the co-ordinators’ work due to the heavy demands on their time.
This would allow them to be paid for more hours and to build on what they are doing already.
Board members were well disposed to this at their April workshop to discuss the next budget, which will be finalised and approved in June. Spending is tight, due to Auckland Council financial constraints caused by Covid-19 revenue losses. The renewals budget is restricted, but the board has retained its local discretionary fund and is keen to support initiatives that have proven successful or where there is clear community need.
Van Tonder told the Observer tough calls had to be made on “nice to haves” such as an idea for bike hubs that she had been keen on.
“It’s not the time to try new things, but to get behind the things that are working.”
“Those people will burn out if we don’t support them,” she said of the co-ordinators. The community had also signalled it wanted environmental action and cleaner beaches. To that end, the board is also backing more work on Wairau Estuary industrial pollution tracking, done in conjunction with the adjoining Kaipatiki Local Board and looking to continue its funding for planting. In workshop discussions on its draft programme, the board signalled that a dog park at Barrys Point Reserve was not a priority and it would be better to drop spending on Movies in Parks in favour of using the funds in other areas.
Planning looks likely to continue for a wheel sport area at Sunnynook Park, with a toilet for Tonkin Park, to be considered as part of this project.
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