Trees cut down in Ōrangihina

Large, established trees at Ōrangihina have recently been illegally cut down. We do not know the reason for this vandalism. The “pruning” of trees at Ōrangihina has been happening for years, but this is the most extensive damage we have seen. Local volunteers have worked tirelessly to plant native trees, tackle weeds and bring this part of Ōrangihina back to life. To see so much time, care and hard work undone is devastating. 

We have reported the destruction to Auckland Council and hope its investigation will help establish what happened and prevent further incidents. Our public parks belong to all of us, and the trees growing in them provide habitat for wildlife, contribute to the health of our local ecosystem and help make Ōrangihina the special place it is.

If you come across any tree cutting in public parks that you suspect has not been sanctioned by Auckland Council please report to Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 (available 24/7). 

We posted about what we had found on Social Media, and following this Stuff picked up the story and published an article. We appreciate the media attention this issue has received and the opportunity to raise awareness about the protection of our public spaces. However, the original article incorrectly credited Rivercare with the restoration of Ōrangihina, overlooking the many other people and groups who contribute to the implementation of the Restoration Plan. This has since been amended, and we would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge everyone involved: Te Kawarau ā maki as mana whenua, Community Waitākere, Forest & Bird Te Atatū, Te Atatū Marae Whānau, and local resident Brooke Paterson and his team, who have dedicated many hours to planting and weeding.

Amid the disappointment and frustration, something genuinely positive has emerged from this incident. With the blessing of Te Kawerau ā Maki, much of the timber from the felled mānuka and kānuka trees has been given to Te Atatū Intermediate, Rutherford College and Rutherford Primary School. With Te Kawerau ā Maki taking some pieces of totara for whakairo (carving). Rather than going to waste, these rākau (trees) will now have a new purpose, providing materials for whakairo (carving), toi (art) projects and future fundraising events.

We are immensely proud of this outcome and the way our community has come together to make something positive out of a difficult situation. Although we cannot undo the loss of these established trees, we can ensure that their timber continues to contribute to our community. It is especially rewarding to know that these rākau will help

A huge ngā mihi nui to Dion Sadler from SB Property Services (Oncore New Zealand) for providing his vehicle and trailer to transport the timber, and to our kaiako and school staff, Whaea Ngaire, Matua Paratene, Matua Jeff Ruha and Jeff Chung, for their tautoko (support) in making this kaupapa possible.

This is a powerful example of what can happen when mana whenua, community groups, schools and local people work together. From an act that caused sadness and frustration, we have found a way to create opportunities for young people and keep the value of these rākau alive within our community.