After seeing a Facebook post recently showing the Western Springs Lake level being so low that cygnets were trapped and eels were stressed and dying, I organised a meeting with Vicki Adams who made the post.
Together we arranged a meeting with the Waitematā Local Board Chair, Gen Sage and Deputy Chair, Greg Moyle, to walk around Western Springs Lake to review the situation. We are still waiting to hear back from either of them as promised.
The other name of the Lake is Te Wai Ōrea - Water of Eels. They are New Zealand natives and need our protection.
Today I received a message from community advocate, Gael Baldock saying that Auckland Council’s staff member, Barry Potter, had told her, “I’ve checked with the team regarding Western Springs.
Both weirs were damaged in the flooding and both were temporarily sand bagged. The weir near Motat has now been repaired and the remaining weir (near the zoo?) is currently being repaired. Lake levels are back to normal.”
However, once again the council has opted not to "do it once and do it right". Contractors working on the weir referred to by Barry Potter confirmed this is only a temporary solution.
The tree to the right of the weir needs to be removed as the root system is causing issues that will only get worse over a short time.
Will the councillors responsible for this Auckland gem listen to the recommendations proposed by the contractors, or we once again have to see our Western Springs Lake and its inhabitants in distress? (Linda Hill)
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay #westernsprings
PUBLISHED 5 MAY 2023