This weekend I was filming with volunteer camerman Conan Fitzpatrick in Titirangi where Watercare want to build a huge treatment plant in the native bush. (The piece will eventually go up on NZPTV as our time and limited resources allow. )
At some points , according to Watercare’s plan, the new plant will come within 10 metres of trees that are 650 years old.That’s right.. they were over a 100 years old when Christopher Columbus first sailed to America.
Kauri are falling victim to a dieback disease caused by fungal pathogens.So, amongst other things, there is real concern that the earthworks for the proposed plant will disturb these pathogens and allow them to migrate through the forest.
Just as we are facing disease from Cov 19 so the Kauri are facing sickness and potential death from Dieback.
Yes Auckland needs fresh water but there are several other non-forest sites where this treatment plant could go.
If any good can come out of the pandemic we are all having to face, I hope it comes in the form of a drammatic shift towards sustainability economics.
Less consumerism.More legislation to promote our well-being and the health of our environment and protect it ( and ourselves) against the profiteers.
Bryan Bruce is one of NZs most respected documentary makers and public intellectuals who has tirelessly exposed NZs neoliberal economic settings as the main cause for social issues.