Tainui Reserve is the potential jewel in the crown of reserves contained within the urban landscape of Havelock North. It is enjoyed all year round by hundreds of people including dog owners who relish the fact that their pets can exercise off-lead in a naturally unspoilt environment as well as by many who are keen walkers, runners and mountain bikers.
Having lived beside the reserve since 1987, I have a genuine interest in the environmental health and general well-being of its 16.4 hectares. The HBRC is to be congratulated for its efforts to control a destructive possum population as in recent years there is a noticeable increase in native birds and reptiles in the area.
However, the same cannot be said for Hastings District Council's management. The ecological health of the trees and plants and environment in the reserve has deteriorated markedly in the past five years due to Parks and Reserves' neglect.
After the illegal felling of 18 trees in 2014 by a local builder who was fined $15,000, council designated $8000 to remove the felled trees from the gully close to Hikanui Pa and $7000 for remediation and re-planting. Council's efforts to replant the gully wouldn't even score one out of ten. A few totara trees were planted (too close together) along with some Silver Dollars but then no follow-up care or maintenance was provided and the area is now so degraded and overgrown, it is simply an eyesore.
There is particular dismay over the rampant spread of noxious weeds throughout the reserve. Trees, native plants and shrubs are being strangled by invasive convolvulus and ivy while wandering jew is choking the gullies. In my usual frank style, I have told council's senior management, mayor and councillors that, in my view, this is because senior managers are tapping away on their keyboards in the council building instead of going into the reserves, identifying problems and dealing with them.
