In recent months, Remuera residents have expressed concern about the deterioration of the walkways and parklands on Mount Hobson.
In 2014, Mount Hobson was one of 14 ancestral mountains returned to the Tamaki Collective (Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau), to be held in trust for the benefit of the indigenous and other people of Auckland.
At our November public meeting, complaints were voiced about an apparent lack of upkeep and general maintenance on Mount Hobson. Earlier this month, at an RRA-attended meeting with Tupuna Maunga, the Auckland Council office that oversees the city’s volcanic cones, arranged with the support of Kit Parkinson of the Orakei Local Board, the following points were agreed and/or noted:
- An arborist is to be be engaged to undertake maintenance to 4 trees identifed as requiring either removal or maintenance at the southern Remuera Rd entrance;
- Overhanging vegetation on access tracks needs to be trimmed along with any dangerous tree material to be removed.
- Mowing of steep sections is to be discussed with contractors to reduce the impact of damage.
- Iain Valentine (RRA Chair) will look at support for a Friends of Mt Hobson organisation to undertake volunteer work on Mt Hobson.
- Mercury Energy are to be contacted for reassurances regarding their mountain biking promotion.
- Program of repairs to the paving at the entrance off Remuera Rd: work is likely to be completed early in 2017
- Program of weeding of plantings at entrance: work is likely to be completed early in 2017.
- Additional control of breaches to plant pest program: work is likely to be completed early in 2017.