Calling for action on leafy mess
People fed up with nuisance trees in their street are demanding action from their local representatives.
Five residents of Flat Bush Rd in Clover Park addressed the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board at its public meeting this month.
They’ve been campaigning for more than a decade to have the mess caused by large oak trees that line their street to be resolved.
The trees’ leaves and acorns fall onto the road, people’s properties and into guttering.
They’re owned by Auckland Transport and managed by the Auckland Council’s parks department.
Resident Mary Paki told the board members the problem is getting worse.
One of her elderly neighbours struggles to clean the leaves off his property, she said.
‘‘He can’t stand so he sits and goes around and sweeps the leaves. It’s also a financial thing.
‘‘People are having to pay for garden bags and bins to take them away because of the volume of leaves.’’
Resident Albert Vahaakolo said when a leaf sweep is organised in the street it’s not done in such a way that all locals are aware of it.
Brian Paki said he’s been tell- ing the council for years he wants the leaves cleaned up.
‘‘I would love to see you [local board members] come with a rake and clean up my property.
‘‘If I was to go with my garbage and dump it on the road what would happen?
‘‘I’d get fined and I’d get arrested. It’s frustrating, it’s annoying, and I’ve had enough.’’
Local board member John McCracken said discussions held in 2011 identified that consideration would be given to the trees being removed and replaced with a more suitable species.
‘‘I think quite clearly that time has come and a decision needs to be made.’’
Board member Lotu Fuli said she was unaware of the problem until earlier this year.
‘‘I share your frustration. . . I understand where you’re coming from.
‘‘We are working at it but the wheels are turning very slowly.’’
Board chairman Efeso Collins said he wants to get the key parties together to try to find a solution.
‘‘It’s important we do try to meet so council officers who are responsible for this. . . can assure us the work will be undertaken.’’