Emergency Budget: Delays to Kauri Track Upgrades
Auckland Council are proposing to defer many of the bush track upgrades that the Kaipātiki Local Board has secured to protect our precious kauri trees from dieback disease. This will be done as part of a 50% reduction (approx $7mill) to the kauri tracks budget across Auckland in regional and local parks. [Note: The budget documents incorrectly say it will be a 35% reduction].
This will mean that many tracks we were expecting to re-open or begin work in 2020/21 will will be delayed by 1 or more years. This will have a roll-on effect, meaning that trackwork planned for the following year (2021/22) will also be pushed out, and so on.
The details around this are still to be determined, but will affect the following parks in some way:
* Birkenhead War Memorial Park - Stage 2
* Eskdale Reserve Network - Stage 3
* Fernglen Native Plant Gardens
* Kauri Glen Reserve - Stages 3-4
* Leigh Scenic Reserve - Stages 1-2
* LeRoys Bush Reserve - Stage 3
* Chatswood Reserve - Stages 2-4
* Rangatira Reserve - Stage 2
* Soldiers Bay (track from Island Bay Road)
Fortunately work already contracted will continue, including Eskdale Reserve Network Stage 2, Kauri Glen Reserve Stage 2, LeRoys Bush Reserve Stage 2.
A couple more kauri budget gems:
* "Reduced kauri dieback compliance monitoring through fewer contracted enforcement staff"
* "Some reduction in large pest reduction programme and Kauri dieback research"
Please have your say on the budget here: akhaveyoursay.nz...
Consultation is open until Friday 19 June.
Download PDFs of the consultation document and supporting information here: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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75.8% Yes
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22.8% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Bokashi bucket composting workshop @ Glenfield Library
Don't miss Glenfield Library's Bokashi bucket composting workshop tomorrow, 2:00 - 3:30 PM. Make your own DIY Bokashi bucket to take home or surprise a loved one with a unique Christmas gift.
All participants get a discount voucher to use towards a composting system.
Register for the workshop via bit.ly...
This course is proudly supported by Auckland Council and delivered by the Compost Collective.