There are two big issues currently facing our community – firstly the placement of the controversial Erebus Memorial and secondly, the Western Springs Forest.
Last month John Elliott and I had a friendly and informative guided walk through the Western Springs Forest with Lucy Kitching, corporate communications specialist and David Stejskel, the regional arborist and eco manager. Subsequently, John had several other discussions with those two contacts.
During our visit we were devastated by the wide barren road (the area looked like Mars!) constructed to allow machinery to get logs out, but impressed by how much native understorey still stood in pockets around the forest. Over 6000 native seedlings have already been planted.
Critics still have two main complaints. First, mountains of chip from chipped pine trunks make it impossible to plant seedlings deeply into soil, and secondly, that the road site has not been restored to its original contour as required by the resource consent.
There has been much controversy regarding the National Erebus Memorial in Parnell. However many locals support a new idea - the proposed, dedicated Erebus Memorial Park in Western Springs Precinct.
There have been other sites suggested but there are so many good reasons to have the memorial at Western Springs. There is the Museum of Transport and Technology’s Aviation Hall for a start. There’s also the popular tram service, and locals know all about the beautiful walks out to Meola Reef. There is the Zoo and Western Springs Forest; families could make a day of it.
The land suggested would be large enough to incorporate the Memorial’s existing design and a lower walled garden could contain a water reflection pool or waterfall within a beautiful garden setting.
The Erebus Memorial Park initiative is working to provide an option for the consideration of Erebus whanau and the wider community and welcomes your thoughts, input and involvement. For further details visit www.EMP.org.nz
We are excited to learn we will have a brand new cinema opening in Ponsonby Central next year. Silky Otter Cinemas will bring the big screen to Ponsonby and we can’t wait!
Coveted French furniture brand Ligne Roset has expanded its presence within the New Zealand market with the launch of an exclusive showroom on Great North Road in Grey Lynn. Call in and have a browse.
In this issue we’d like to say goodbye and thank you to Sid and Chand, co-owners of Sidart. After 12 years the restaurant has been sold to Lesley Chandra, who takes over on 6 September.
In this issue Helene Ravlich asked 12 locals to tell us how they get around our city – either by car, bike or scooter. Enjoy the issue everyone. (MARTIN LEACH)
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Published 6 August 2021