Letter to the Editor Thursday May 16, 2013

No figment

Re 'What dotterels?' letters May 2. The dotterels DO exist.

In your article you stated "last viewed on Sunday last". Yes, the tides were very high, but the dotterels did reappear later that day, along with all the other shorebirds, for their evening feed after the tides had receded.

As for the signs making this beach ugly, how would you feel if one of your whanau who designed these signs were told they were ugly? These signs were designed by the children at Ahipara School with great enthusiasm and pride to convey awareness that this precious bird is endangered and needs to be protected, as do other shorebirds. What really has become an eyesore is the destruction and erosion of our surrounding dunes and beach caused by careless use.

Regarding the nearby land erosion and stock effluent entering the Wairoa River, this is not nearly as detrimental as the toxic chemicals left in the river and on the beach by the use of quads, bikes and vehicles etc.

The FNDC authorising bulldozing and drainage of the waterway in recent years was done without prior approval of the local iwi or community notification, hence the drain was backfilled immediately. The night-time earthworks to alter the Wairoa River flow were done without iwi approval or our knowledge. I am not privy as to who carried out the work, and yes, at that time there was no sanctuary.

Tuturiwhatu Pukenui Punanga (Dotterel Sanctuary) was established in November 2012 with the approval of Te Runanga o Te Rarawa. The punanga was created with the assistance of children and teachers from Ahipara Primary School, Te Runanga o Te Rarawa, Ahipara Community Coast Care Group, NRC, DOC and countless other local and out-of-town volunteers. It was established to protect the habitat of the endangered tuturiwhatu (dotterel), to give sanctuary to all native flora and fauna, to honour and respect the cultural and spiritual values of the tangata whenua, to create the only vehicle-free area on Te Oneroa a Tohe and assist in bringing our community together through a common goal.

Using the word "farcical," and stating you are denied your existing rights to enjoy this area, is confusing, as it has been created for all to enjoy. Families, children, and yes, even the birds should be able use this area safely without threat from vehicles.

As per NZTA, 90 Mile Beach is not a designated roadway, although it has been used as one for many decades. When people do use it as an alternative roadway they should show respect for the environment and all who use it.

Not only here in Ahipara, but throughout all of Aotearoa, do we not all have a shared commitment to preserve and protect our communities and environment?

DOUG KLEVER Ahipara

PS: For further information go to the internet, type in www.doc.govt.nz or just type in NZ Dotterel. Enjoy, fascinating stuff.