stephen June 27th, 2010
Update: Further to STEPS submission regarding the lack of waste and storm water infrastructure at http://www.meolacreek.org.nz/2009/07/23/steps-submission-on-westfield-st-lukes-plan-change/ Roy Clements, Pat Prescott and Liz Walker appeared at the hearings on 22 June 2010.
Our presentation is linked click here (3Mb pdf), including pictures of the 1 June storm which covered the board walk with storm and waste water overflow. STEPS was very interested to discover that the Environment Court had made a ruling in December 2009 declaring St Lukes a town centre, with input from ARC and ACC and despite lack of infrastructure. All hearings submissions and evidence have been scanned by the council and placed here (click on Agenda Attachments) http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/members/hearings/a201006140930.asp
stephen June 27th, 2010
Despite the challenging conditions (ranging from impenetrable scoria to ankle-deep mud), we managed to get over 800 plants into the ground. We decided on a more diverse species mix to enhance last year’s plantings. Species included wet-loving plants such as Carex lessoniana, giant umbrella sedge, swamp maire, and toetoe to terrestrial shrubland and forest species such as whau, wineberry, kowhai, lemonwood, and taraire. In addition, two species of threatened fern (Todea barbara and Cyclosorus interruptus), one species of threatened sedge (Baumea complanata), and swamp maire and Coprosma propinqua (both uncommon in the Auckland Region) now have new homes in the wetland.
Around 30 volunteers, including people from the Rasheed Memorial Trust, turned up to help on the day - so special thanks to them and the other volunteers. Thanks also to David Bowden from Auckland City Council for funding and helping to organise this event.
We have found a BIG SPADE – if anyone lost a spade, please email STEPS via this website.
stephen June 24th, 2010
STEPS AGM is on Thursday 1st July at 7.00 pm, at Alberton, 100 Mt Albert Rd.
stephen June 16th, 2010
Mount Albert Grammar School Cuts Community Links
STEPS is very disappointed at recent initiatives by Mt Albert Grammar School (MAGS) to cut down old trees, build a high iron fence, and block the path which links the MAGS school farm and Alberton Ave with Kerr Taylor Reserve, Meola Creek and Fergusson Ave.
Over the past few years STEPS and MAGS have worked very well together – and only 2 weeks ago STEPS planted the stream side in the school grounds near the boarding school. So STEPS was shocked when MAGS started cutting down some old and stately trees along its Eastern Boundary with the Reserve. MAGS had also blocked the path through to the school farm – apparently for some leaky building site works.
STEPS held two meetings with MAGS over a 12 month period. At the first the school representative denied any knowledge when questioned about school plans regarding the path. In the past week it appears that Head Master Dale Burden has left instructions that the fence is to be finished during his absence in Europe on a fellowship; and that the path to the farm will not be reopened.
The work done by MAGS to help build and plant a boardwalk along the creek, and to fence off and protect the upper tributary which is on their farm is very good. But now they run the risk of severing for all time the links between the two tributaries; and the pedestrian links between Mt Albert and Sandringham. The trees are already gone (see photos attached).
ACTION: If you do not agree with this – please contact STEPS (via this website) or MAGS Headmaster – mailto:dperry@mags.school.nz and cc: STEPS.
la4-kerr-taylor-tree-planting-as-amended-for-scoping
Boundary trees before felling
Boundary trees now
stephen June 13th, 2010
Please find a flyer attached for our next planting day on Sunday June 20, from 10 am. The planting will involve additional planting in the wetland created last year adjacent to the boardwalk along the Roy Clements Treeway. The approximate location is http://www.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=-36.885499,174.729341&daddr=&geocode=&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=17&sll=-36.885084,174.729435&sspn=0.006814,0.008862&ie=UTF8&ll=-36.885653,174.729373&spn=0.003407,0.004431&t=h&z=18
Any time you can spare is always welcome.
Planting Day June 20th Flyer
stephen June 6th, 2010
UPDATE ON WINSTONES QUARRY
Following on from the item below at http://www.meolacreek.org.nz/2009/07/23/changes-to-meola-three-kings-and-western-springs-aquifer/ ARC and ACC granted Winstone Aggregates Ltd a Resource Consent to carry out earthworks and contaminated site discharges associated with the development of a cleanfill site at Three Kings Quarry, Mt Eden Road, for a term of 20 years, on the 28th November 2009. STEPS, Three Kings United, SEPG, Friends of Oakley Creek, Envirowaste and others appealed.
Subsequently Winstones have applied for a new resource consent, while appeals against the 2009 application are still to be heard. Supporting documents are at http://www.winstoneaggregates.co.nz/DMS/Three_Kings_Quarry.php?id=43
Winstones already have a “dewatering” consent whereby they can pump 5000-10,000 cu m of water (approximately 1-2 Olympic pools ) per day until 2030 out of the Meola-Three Kings- Western Springs Aquifer. Instead of the water flowing naturally downhill through creeks to the Waitemata Harbour, it is now pumped over to Onehunga and flows through the waste water system and into Manukau Harbour.
In regard to the new resource consent application, STEPS is concerned that the interpretation applied to the definition of ‘clean fill’ promoted by the applicant is not properly in accord with that specified in the Proposed Auckland Regional Plan: Air Land and Water, and MfE guidelines for “Clean Fill”.
Attached are two submissions: the first is from STEPS and the Friends of Oakley Creek; the other is the combined submission of Watercare Services and Metrowater; both outline concerns about the potential contamination of the aquifer.
STEPS Three Kings Quarry Submission
Watercare’s & Metrowater’s submissions
stephen June 6th, 2010
On 30 May 2010 we had huge muster of 40-50 people for the planting of the south west stream bank by MAGS. Approximately 1200 plants were completed by 11.15, when we all enjoyed a sausage sizzle. It was a beautiful day, with perfect planting conditions after all the rain we have had.
We were thrilled to have continuing care from Roy Clements, Wai Care, Metrowater, Morphum and other supporters – our thanks to all. Our next planting is on 20 June – see notice below.
Also we will be continue with planting of the area with MAGS students on June 18th and the maintenance contractor All Drains, will be planting the inaccessible areas and under the pine trees etc soon.
stephen June 6th, 2010
Flooding in wetland
- Wetland flooded
Boardwalk under water
Meola Creek submerges boardwalk
See the stress Meola Creek is under when it rains and how the wetland and boardwalk are affected.
stephen June 2nd, 2010
STEPS received the Runner-up Award for Riparian Planting performed by a Community Group at the Wai Care Expo last week and was presented with a certificate and an engraved perspex trophy.
