Honour the Maunga welcomes Ngāti Whātua Orākei intervention in Ōwairaka tree impasse

MEDIA RELEASE

Ngāti Whātua Orākei’s intervention has been welcomed by the tree protection group that had, until the Covid 19 lockdown, occupied Ōwairaka / Mt Albert to prevent Tūpuna Maunga Authority felling 345 exotic trees there.

Spokesperson Anna Radford says, like Ngāti Whātua, Honour the Maunga is deeply concerned about the increasingly divisive and destructive turn the Ōwairaka tree impasse has taken. 

“Our mission has always been a simple one: to support native regeneration by saving the exotic trees so they can protect the maunga, its wildlife and the young native plantings as they grow to maturity. 

“Doing so would respect the environment and all peoples’ cultural, spiritual and historical ties with the maunga.”

Ms Radford says that the Authority has subjected Honour the Maunga to an escalating barrage of completely baseless accusations.

“Distressing though that has been on a personal level, even more upsetting was the undermining of the Collective Redress Act’s intention for a positive, constructive and sustainable Treaty partnership between Ngā Mana Whenua and the other people of Auckland.

On Owairaka / Mt Albert there are countless examples of self-seeded native plants growing under the protective shelter of exotics.

“Ngāti Whātua’s intervention has hopefully put that process back on track.”

She went on to express disappointment in the lack of leadership shown by Mayor Phil Goff.

“Auckland Council representatives comprise half of the Authority’s members and they have at every stage been hostile and obstructive towards local communities over the tree felling issue.”

Although the Authority can to a large extent instruct the Council, it is entirely within the Mayor’s power to actively encourage its Council members regarding their duty to represent the interests of those who elected them into office in the first place.

“We look forward to the Mayor showing stronger leadership on this matter in future.”

Honour the Maunga has responded to Ngāti Whātua Orākei, saying it agrees with their suggestion about the way forward in principle and would appreciate the opportunity to engage further on the matter.

“Winter is coming and, with it, the planting season. It is our sincere hope that a solution will be found that sees Honour the Maunga and local communities being actively involved in a regeneration programme that is a cause for unity and celebration.” 

A condemned Japanese cherry (ribboned) intertwined with a totara at Ōwairaka.