Willow Trees Along Waipuna Stream

My whanau are mana whenua and have whakapapa to the whenua at end of Ranui Street to Huia Street.  It is an area of significant cultural and historical, mahinga kai, drinking water from the nearby spring and market gardens that supplied produce to the community. There never was any willow trees, not sure what they are Weeping or Crack but are in the wrong place, so several generations ago there was none. Willow trees are a nuisance that in wrong place harms the biodiversity. I am aware the Rivers Department of MDC do acknowledge removal of those willow trees and some work in the stream to clear the numerous fallen trees/logs so becomes more free flowing along with a better habitat for native birds and tuna. It is prone to flooding the tracks and Waitohi Picton Community Garden. The storm water outlet needs an upgrade to prevent additional flooding. The ideal restoration would involve removal of the willow trees to stump level with poison in the stumps to prevent regrowth and native plantings which my iwi Te Atiawa has a long term plan to do that. This will uplift the attraction of the area as currently it is an eyesore with a mess of a fallen branches and blocking the natural flow of Waipuna Stream. Therefore, it would be really appreciated if the MDC can programme the removal of the willow trees, this area is going to get more walkers so see attractions of the area wetlands and native birds.  The location of nearby Community Garden is a  health and safety issue with the willow trees leaving them as they are and just poisoning will create more safety to all that participate in the Community Garden, will includes schools both local and out of Picton region.  It will also will take many years to break down. Therefore it is not an out of site location but a well used location with many different type users, walkers, runners bikers and dog walkers.  

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