1595 days ago

Vandals chop down and poison 23 sacred trees and shrubs in Takapuna

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Kia ora koutou. Vandals have allegedly poisoned and cut down dozens of native trees and shrubs of huge significance to Māori near Takapuna Beach.

Around 23 trees and shrubs at Te Uru Tapu (The Sacred Grove) at the northern end of the beach were discovered to have been vandalised during a regular inspection by Auckland Council’s senior urban forest specialist on Tuesday.

The grove of ancient pōhutukawa trees is of high significance to mana whenua, with the trees and vegetation in the area protected by the Auckland Unitary Plan.

A section of the grove has been fenced off since June 2018, due to the risk of trees falling onto a boardwalk below. It appeared someone had deliberately entered the restricted area to cut down the trees, which included karo, karaka, nīkau, tōtara and coprosmas. Drill holes were also found at the base of three mature karo trees, which suggested they had been poisoned.

None of the trees are expected to survive. Auckland Council has launched an investigation and is asking anyone with information to email sacredgrove@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Click 'read more' for the full story.

More messages from your neighbours
20 hours ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 61.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
    61.4% Complete
  • 22.5% No, individuals should take responsibility
    22.5% Complete
  • 16.1% ... It is complicated
    16.1% Complete
298 votes
1 day ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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6 hours ago

ENGLISH CHAT GROUP 😁 Forrest Hill Church, 151 Forrest Hill Road, Forrest Hill

Helen from Totara Vale

Join us at our English Chat Group on Monday 16th February. The morning session is 🌻 10am-12pm 😄and the evening session is 7pm- 830pm. Come to one or both, whichever suits you. Learn some new words or practise some old ones. No skill level required. Tea ☕️ & biscuits🍪 provided. A gold coin donation 🪙appreciated to cover costs, but not necessary. Everybody welcome. Bring a friend along if you wish. Laughter & fun guaranteed! 🤣🍒 See you there! Cheers Helen