Ask Phoebe: Signs would point to a place drivers aren't able to visit

Pollen Island Marine Reserve is home to the semi-flightless New Zealand fernbird (matata). It also has a rich diversity of wetland/estuary wildlife including the Bactra moth, not found anywhere else on the planet. Thousands of commuters travel on the motorway beside this unique place, so why is there no proper signposting? It's evident that Australian wattle trees have gone mad on the reserve, so why is there no weeding done by the Department of Conservation or the Auckland Regional Council? Kent Xie, West Auckland.

Pollen Island (Motu Manawa) Marine Reserve was named after Dr Daniel Pollen, who bought it in 1855 and set up a brickworks at the end of the Whau Peninsula.

The marine reserve was leased to Forest and Bird from 1995 to 2005, during which time native plants were identified and listed.

Ownership and management were transferred to the Department of Conservation in 2005, and in 2006 Pollen Island was gazetted as a scientific reserve.

Neighbouring Traherne Island, also surrounded by marine reserve, is held as Crown land for motorway purposes.

There is no legal land access to the marine reserve, as stopping on the motorway is not permitted. You can get to Pollen Island only by boat or kayak, and then you have to wade through mud and mangroves. There is a small marine reserve sign at the Pt Chevalier end, but you have to know where to look.

DoC is investigating signs from the motorway, to point out the reserve, but not to indicate access.

DoC's Auckland area biodiversity programme manager, Phil Brown, says the wattle trees are on Transport Agency land.

They will be removed during the Northwestern Motorway widening project. Part of this project is the raising of the causeway against frequent flooding at high tide.

Because it is a marine reserve, "no take" restrictions are enforced by DoC rangers. All marine life within the reserve, including all plants and animals, is protected from disturbance and harm.

There is a five-knot speed limit on all vessels within 200m of the shoreline.

Driving along Highbrook Drive last week, I noticed that some large triangular structures which seem to be made out of pallets had appeared. Is this some kind of sculpture or is a new building going up? Lisa Shelley, Auckland.

As you've probably noticed by now, Lisa, it's a sculpture. Billboards have since been put up, indicating this is an installation linked with the Manukau Festival of Arts, which runs until November 15.

Erection of the billboards was delayed by high winds last week.

The sculpture, by East Tamaki artist Aaron McConchie, is called The Continuous Work(s) of a Giant(s).

The Manukau Festival of Arts is a celebration of Manukau's diversity, and includes a film festival. More information is at at www.mfa.org.nz