Posted on 8-4-2004

Silting in Mahurangi

I have lived in this area for the last 13 years and I find it ironic that
this Harbour Silting issue finally comes to some kind of 'official' notice
at the same time that a new trial is being undertaken in Mangawhai estuary to bulldoze the Mangroves and truck in new sand at the shore of a new subdivision.

A developer from Kaipara Hills west of Warkworth has convinced the NRC that in fact Mangroves may be detrimental to the environment, despite scientific research over
many years to the contrary.
He is sponsoring this trial alongside his subdivision with the aid of scientist Andre Lebonte of Waipu who contends that the Mangroves actually block the harbour and are injurious. The silt and sediment mentioned as so harmful in the report on the Mahurangi is
evident in the Mangawhai harbour as well and Lebonte and Lockwood contend
this silting of the harbour is exacerbated by the growths of Mangrove.

This may be the actual case, however it would seem to the observer that the value
of the subdivision sections in this popular area are likely to sway the
results in a trial which could see vast areas of mangrove in the northland
region increase dramatically in value if mangroves are suddenly declared
invasive and harmful to the environment they were previously seen as
protecting.

Caution is called for and perhaps the results of such a trial
would be more objectively received if the researchers were likewise more
removed from financial loop.
Paul