Limited bush

TUI 2000 is an environmental watchdog group of more than 20 years standing. It has been responsible for, or assisted with, major ecological restoration projects throughout Hamilton City. TUI 2000 decided to promote restoration of Waiwhakareke – the lake and its surrounding landforms [swamp, restiad bog, ridge crests and lower slopes] – as a millennium project that would last a thousand years. It was to include the range of natural systems that were characteristic of the Hamilton area and provide an overflow area for the breeding populations of native birds and reptiles in the Hamilton Zoo.

As an open space asset, it has the potential to become as important as Claudelands Park or Hamilton Gardens.

To this end we commissioned a documentary in which eminent scientists led by Drs Bruce Clarkson, Mairi Jay and Gordon Stephenson explained why this was an opportunity not to be missed. All councillors at the time were given a film copy. They were then each escorted around the lake and given an explanation of the worth of the project, and, bar one, all voted to retain the land in perpetuity as a lowland forest restoration project. Councillor Gallagher, at that time an MP, was also shown the area.

It is wrong to conclude that we have plenty of bush left. There is less than 1% of original native vegetation left in the Hamilton ecological district.

Members of TUI 2000 hope the present council will reconsider the decision to build on part of the Lake Waiwhakareke restoration project and support the vision in the original concept.

(abridged) DALE LETHBRIDGE Hamilton