Washing line war fallout hits others

First they came for the washing line.

Now, a trampoline, wooden statue, garden plants and olive trees could be next as the fallout continues from a spat between neighbours in a milliondollar Auckland beachfront enclave.

Last month the Herald reported that a humble rotary washing located on publicly-owned land between two homes adjacent to the peaceful Pohutukawa Ave Esplanade Reserve, in the East Auckland suburb of Shelly Park, had sparked a long-running row between neighbours Karen Newton and Clive and Anita Reynolds.

Newton complained to Auckland Council that the line, erected before the Reynolds moved in 20 years ago, was dangerous and blocked access to a shared cable car.

The line was removed by the council in December and a request by the Reynolds, on health grounds, to put it back was turned down by the Howick Local Board.

Council stakeholder and land advisory head Kim O’Neill confirmed this week the council was taking action on other “several other” encroachments, with letters sent to all properties requesting that they provide evidence of legal right to occupy the reserve.

The council was not able to confirm what property owners had put on the reserve, but the Herald saw a trampoline, shrubs and, on Newton’s property, two olive trees and a concrete pad for outdoor furniture.

Neither Newton nor other neighbours could immediately be contacted

Clive Reynolds said he would comply with the council’s request to remove a wooden Maori statue, garden plants and a flax bush; the latter of which he claimed pre-dated his occupation of the property. — Cherie Howie