Some events reported in and around Le Roys Bush

If you would like to report a problem in Le Roys Bush or to assist in helping with maintenance and monitoring, please go to our page Report pests, problems & pollution (Note: This page is: tinyurl.com/l9o3h7l)

Small Bank collapse on Onewa Road track just above junction with Highbury boardwalk 22 April 2021

On Thu, 22 Apr 2021 at 22:33,

Hi John and Dan

I am writing to you as I am not sure who is responsible in Council for track works in Le Roys Bush to report a slip (see photo below) that one of the Friends of Le Roys Bush noticed today on the track going to Onewa Rd just after you turn left coming off the Highbury boardwalk.

The fallen clay is blocking the entrance to the culvert there so taking no action may risk stormwater issues.

To avoid these issues the clay should all be removed, but where to put it is a problem.

However removing the fallen clay invites further collapses. It is rather worrying that this collapse occurred after only a few mm of rainfall. What will happen when the ground becomes soggy and big rainstorms come is quite unpredictable.

The only sure way to be secure from further slipping would be to install a small pole retaining wall there, but this is not the time of the year to undertake such works.

A geotech engineer in our group pointed out to Julie Crabb (after the work was finished) that too much had been cut from the toe of the slip, and nothing had been done about the drainage situation there. My understanding is that a large diameter culvert was installed by cutting further into the bank to make room for the entrance "box". This left the bank with a slight overhang.

Presumably rectifying this problem will be covered as part of the agreement with the contractors - but it will require careful analysis to avoid spreading mud around on the track, to resolve any stormwater issues and to avoid further slippage.

Could you please advise who we should forward this to?

Unusual water discharge beside a spiral welded drain below 48 Enterprise St Ref 8110358742 27 Nov 2020

This problem was originally reported on 27 November 2020 and allocated Ref 8110358742 using Council's Report a Problem pages.

A Council contractor rang back to say the problem was with a fitting in a drain behind the building presumably at 48 Enterprise St.

However, the problem still existed on 30 December 2020, so on checking the issue on Councils Report a Problem page, it said:

Cancelled

We've closed your request. The problem you reported was for something that is not on council land or a council maintained asset.

Cancelled date: Sunday 29 November 2020

Ok so maybe the cause is not on Council land - but there is still a problem on Council land. So we have reopened the issue for them to follow up with whoever is causing it.

However since the Council's Report a Problem page doesn't allow more than 300 characters, we've linked them back to this item on the LRB website.

One must wonder why water from a private building runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - see video below.

This problem still persists late February

See video VID_20201230_103042 2020-12 Leak by spiral welded drain below Enterprise St

and photo IMG-20201127-131507-drain-below-Enterprise-M

Erosion from stormwater discharge on Council property at 29 Le Roy Tce

Submission in preparation as at 15 Oct 2020

Muddy water polluting stream below Enterprise St 30 Oct 2019 Ref: INR60227921

Reported to the pollution hotline

Fence at bottom of the Le Roy Tce track torn down 21 Aug 2019

To Council: A track user rang me to say that someone has ripped out the gate at the bottom of the Le Roy Tce track by the 3 track junction.

Is it possible to get this reerected please? Also the gate at the top of the new work has been left open. Was this your intention?

We'd really hoped that people would not walk the new track till the approaches were made mud free.

Reply 22 Aug 2019: Contractors are investigating

Theft of kauri dieback sterigene bottles; vandalism of cleaning station 3 May 2019

One of the volunteers for Le Roys Bush has reported the theft of the sterigene bottles from the Glade Place entrance. The brushes were thrown down the bank. This has been reported to the police.

• • If any volunteers would like to help install and monitor cameras at bush entrances, please email us.

  • Many thanks to our volunteer who has replaced the bottles and topped them up with Sterigene.

Human faeces near kauri on Seaview Ave track - 16 March 2019

The faeces and toilet paper were right up against a large pohutukawa - not many metres away from the big kauri at the bottom of the Seaview Ave track.

The assumption was that this arose from one of the groups that camp in the carpark by the bowling club.

It was a big concern that people should not be going off track there because of the kauri dieback risk.

This was reported by a member of the public and again reported on Facebook. A Council member saw a post and reported it to the Contact Centre.

However several weeks later the faeces were still there. See facebook.com/groups/FriendsOfLeRoysBush/

Overgrown track - Wilding Ave walkway - Reference: 8110202741 - Jan 2019

One of the volunteers for Le Roys Bush has written asking "What is happening with the foot path from the Wilding Ave footbridge to the bowling green car park, as it is very over grown and dangerous with branches protruding at eye level? This track is numbered S18 on the Le Roys Bush track map

Could you please advise when this, and other tracks in Le Roys Bush, are scheduled for trimming work.

Slumping of land at 70 Maritime Tce and possible planting projects in 2019?

We have been in touch with Parks and Community Facilities departments at Auckland Council about the slumping of land at 70 Maritime Tce - just below the last house on the left.

Community Facilities reports that Auckland Transport is responsible for this site. This may be a good location to plant a range of native trees to provide year round food sources for native birds?

Another possible location is below the apartment block at 241 Hinemoa St - beside the Highbury Board Walk. Waiting to hear back.

Track upgrades planned in early 2019

Council contractors will start work on upgrading the tracks in upper Le Roys from the end of the Highbury board walk down to the 3 track junction. They will also upgrade the narrow wobbly board walk from the 3 track junction down towards Valley Road. There are a number of other sections of the Le Roys Bush track network which are not at a good level of kauri hygiene standard and it is proposed for Friends of Le Roys Bush to consider upgrading them pending further Council works. If you'd be interested to assist with this work, please email LeRoysBush@gmail.com

Two trees fallen over tracks November 2018

Le Roys volunteers have cleared fallen trees blocking tracks on the track going down to Dudding Park and on the Glade Place steps.

The Glade Place was blocked by a large puriri which fell soon after 9am on 12 November completely blocking the steps. It took about 90 minutes to clear. For photo of blocked track see IMG_20181112_094108 Glade Place blocked by fallen puriri.

If you'd like to be part of the Le Roys Bush track "gang", please email us at LeRoysBush@gmail.com.

Glade Place stream bank - small collapse - reported 19 June 2018 - Ref number 8110166296 (worse as at 20 June 2020)

2020-08-25: a reply was received from an engineer in the Council's stormwater department indicating that no action would be taken but that the situation should be monitored. This report can be found here.

2020-06-20: Two years ago we reported a small collapse in the Glade Place stream bank - Ref number 8110166296

The Council call centre sent a plumber and then nothing further seemed to happen. This small slip has now expanded so it's much wider coming closer to the steps. We'd be grateful if you could record this issue and advise what action may be taken about it.As you may be aware track renewal work may be taking place in this area soon.

2018-06-19: A Friends of Le Roys Bush working bee has found that the bank of the storm water stream has collapsed back to within about 800 mm of the steps. Another section is cracked and appears likely to slump.

The section appears to be below the last section of rocks and about 3 metres below the bottom gabion basket. This has been reported to the stormwater department (Healthy Waters) via the Council contact centre. See the Le Roys Bush facebook page for a photo or click here IMG_20180619_155401 (Glade Place bank collapse SR 8110166296) . A Ventia contractor has visited the site and has referred it on to Healthy Waters. Nothing further has been heard (as at 12 Nov 2018 the slip has had no work done on it). Early December 2018 heard from Community Facilities that this work has been passed to AT as it is on a road reserve.

Garden Waste dumping - Onewa Road entrance - 18 March 2018 - Ref number 8100223289

A Friends of Le Roys Bush supporter is concerned that garden waste is being dumped by the Onewa Road entrance to Le Roys Bush just down the track on the left. The issue has been reported to the Council compliance officer to attend to. A visit was being made on 5 July.

NOTE: The automated response from the Council Service Centre says so we will do that next time.

• If you are emailing about illegally dumped rubbish, please call 0800 NO DUMP (0800 663 867) for an urgent response. Your email has been referred to a member of our customer services team who will reply to you within 10 working days.

  • Urgent issues: For urgent and/or hazardous issues where public safety might be at risk, please phone our call centre directly on 09 301 0101. The Auckland Council call centre is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including public holidays.

Exotic plantings in native rain garden at Little Shoal Bay - 8 Feb 2018 - Resolved

It appears that Council contractors have accidentally replaced the native plants with ​Agapanthus (a mini one, they are not all sterile but some are, here’s hoping they are, and they left the 3 weedy naturalised Agapanthus in there) and Australian Dietes Irises in the rain garden on the roadway system in Little Shoal Bay reserve between Dudding Park and the beach. Oioi would have been a better choice as this area is now inundated frequently with seawater. It’s not really a place for Australia irises and south African lilies. Let's hope that the contractors will be supplied with the design manual for the reserve and will restore the appropriate native species before more agapanthus naturalise and spread around the reserve. It's great to know that this issue has been resolved 4 March 2018.

Enquiry to Auckland Transport about tree removal at 3 Valley Road - CAS-630773-K0K2T6 - 29 Nov 2017

The footbridge has been removed from the bank above the bush reserve on the west side of Valley Road and replaced by a barrier. The footpath now stops after 1H Valley Road.

The slope below the barrier has been clearfelled of all plants - including a number of trees planted by community volunteers in recent years. We have written to AT asking what their plans are.

They have referred the matter to Auckland Council - but as at 31 January no reply had been received. The issue was lodged again and acknowledge as CAS-675528-R4W0H6 on 5 Feb 2018.

A reply was received in due course on 1 March 2018 advising that the area will be planted in a suitable mix of native trees and plants as specified by an arborist. They will be eco-sourced and free of noxious weeds. As an interim measure the bank has been grass seeded. We have written again to ensure that the contractors will take reasonable kauri dieback measures.

Oil or fat in Little Shoal Bay stream - Monday 27 August 2017

A small amount of oil or far was seen on the foot bridges that cross the old "moat" at the bottom of Maritime Tce. Photo to come.

Oil leaching into Little Shoal Bay from rock wall - 23 August 2017

A member of the Little Shoal Bay protection Society reports an oil slick that appears to be leaching out from behind the rock wall below the haulout yard. It did not appear to be from the boat yard - but rather coming through the rocks.

Presentation to Kaipatiki Local Board - 23 August 2017

We are presenting on Wednesday 23 August about pollution, erosion and siltation in Le Roys Bush and into Little Shoal Bay.

We'd welcome your support in requesting improved water quality and reduced siltation.

The draft presentation is a bit rough - see Pollution, erosion and silting in Le Roys Bush (v0.1b) Feedback welcome.

Filming undertaken in LSB wetland in different location from that approved - 1 Aug 2017

See Facebook post 1 August 2017.

In future we believe that ATEED should ensure better procedures are put in place for the future:

• ATEED should confer with reserve management committees or registration groups before granting the consent

• an ecologist's report should be transparent - the brief paragraph in the approval is inadequate

• the KLB should seek more lead time so it can confer with relevant parties to ensure no other activities are occurring in the reserve

Report from ATEED following Filming in Little Shoal Bay Mud Flats - received 8 August 2017

It was a last minute decision to change their location to the ditch area and the area right off the end of that land mass which had very little vegetation around that spot but had in framed nicely in the background.

The location they had originally chosen would of required them to walk 40 odd metres through the mud and reeds to actually reach the spot as scrambling down the bank from the field just wasn’t safe.

In this location they managed to keep the camera mostly on the grass area. With the addition of the drone it also meant they didn’t have to wade too deep in to the mud area. It also meant they managed to capture ½ their footage in the ditch rather than in the Mudflats themselves.

The process we go through is liaising with the stakeholders of that area, and gaining their conditions of use, and then passing on those conditions to production. They in turn have their own Health and Safety officers who advise as to how best to proceed at each location. For example here, they advised the use of a hot shower unit, that they wear special booties, that try and minimise their time in the Mud (which they had already mitigated by changing location) and that they wear ear plugs.

No warnings had come through for any particular concerns of pollutants or toxins in the area. Unfortunately the sewage aspect is a reality of a lot of our waterways let alone the lingering concerns that Mud Flats retain these pollutants for a longer period of time. That coupled with storm water drainage would sadly no doubt include the majority of Mud Flat in the Auckland area.

The potential risk to health was mitigated to the best of their ability.

We have been advised, once hearing about the risk of toxins, that the location manager keeps us informed if any crew develops any stomach bugs or worse a case of gastroenteritis.

ATEED had not consulted with the Le Roys Bush Management Committee as a primary stakeholder responsible for ensuring the management plan is observed.

Tree fallen on new track - 17 July 2017 (Hotline Ref 8110090535, ​​3100808620 and 8110092322)

Here's a photo of a kanuka which has fallen across the boardwalk just below Hauraki Panelbeaters at the bottom of Enterprise St - where all the inorganic rubbish is being replanted. The kanuka damaged a puriri on the way down. It's possible to climb under the fallen tree - no obvious sign of risk but the branches are not fully supported and could move if swung on.

This has been reported to info@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz along with another dead tree leaning diagonally above the steps near the top of the track by 251 Hinemoa Street. This tree is well above the steps but could fall - so as always, be vigilant when going for a walk in the bush.

Many thanks to the volunteer Dave who removed the kanuka from the walkway over the weekend. Thanks also to another bush user who phoned Council about the event sometime over the weekend.

We have been in touch with the Council arborists Treescape who had received the second call as an urgent call. They had visited the site and found the work done, but had not received the request to remove the other dead tree at that time.

We hope to at some point in the future meet with Treescape and Council to refine procedures to avoid duplication of effort. We suggest in the interim, that if you report a problem in Le Roys Bush to Council's contact centre, you also post a photo/note on https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsOfLeRoysBush/ and email us at LeRoysBush@gmail.com so we try to reduce the risk of multiple call outs. It's also very useful when reporting problems to Council to give an accurate address where the problem is located (eg about 400 metres down the wooden walkway from 251 Hinemoa Street) preferably with a photo. Council had recorded the second report as being at 57 Birkenhead Ave - which used to be the official address of Le Roys Bush - but as anyone who has visited the Junction Cafe at the Kaimataara doesn't yet have an accessway to Le Roys (even probably if you're a basejumper).

Signage to remind dog walkers that dogs must be on leash (Hotline Ref 8100061063 - 6 June 2017 - completed 19 Oct 2018)

With the sewage overflow into Le Roys [..., we were] reminded by a dog owner that there are still no "on leash" signs at the entrances to Le Roys Bush and owners are still risking their dogs and native fish by allowing dogs off track into bush streams. Animal Control has passed the enquiry on to the Council signs department.

Sewage pollution in Valley Road - 2 June 2017

Some of our volunteers report that for the past month, a private sewer had been overflowing into the Valley Road stream and down into Little Shoal Bay wetland.

This situation had been going on for about a month without proper attention. WaterCare can only report the problem to a contact email address they have.

It should now be repaired and an improved alarm system installed.

Sewage pollution in Le Roys Bush - Hotline Ref # is .... - 2 May 2017

A member of the public reported on Facebook to Pest Free Kaipatiki that "There is a big sewage overflow coming down the track from Glade Place into the stream. It's a big flow coming out of the manhole. I have reported it to watercare and pollution hotline. Pretty distressing seeing the volume of stuff flowing down.

😟""

Sewage pollution in Le Roys Bush - Hotline Ref # is 820065615 - 2 April 2017

On Friday 31 March 2017 we wrote to Downers (who managed the Kaimataara project) as follows:

One of our restoration advisers is working in Le Roys Bush this afternoon and found that sewage if flowing from 43-47 Birkenhead Ave and down into the Le Roys Bush stream.

... one of the owners of the building ... advises ... that it's an issue covered by Downers' use of the property during the construction of the Kaimataara Lookout and that he has been asking you to action this for some time.

As you will be aware, the Friends of Le Roys Bush group has been working to preserve the native biodiversity in the Le Roys Bush stream for many years. The Kaipatiki Local Board is also very concerned about the incidences of pollution into our waterways.

We would be grateful if your company could undertake immediate investigations and interim mitigation rather than leave it yet another day.

I have just reported this to the Pollution Hotline. Our reference from the Pollution Hotline is 820065615.I hope your company will be able to attend to this without delay.

On Sunday 2 April 2017, an independent scientist monitoring the stream took photos of the pollution in the stream. See copies on our Facebook page where the following comment is added:

Here are some photos taken this morning of pollution in the stream just below the lookout Kaimataara o Wai Manawa on Birkenhead Ave. The scientist who took these photos suspects this pollution has been running for some time.

One may wonder why when it was reported to Watercare they simply checked their own sewer lines and then handed the problem back to Downers.

Ideally Watercare should have issued a public warning that raw sewage was running across private land and into the Le Roys Bush Reserve - then down the stream to Little Shoal Bay.

Downers must without delay put in place appropriate mitigation measures to pick up the overflow and re-route it to the sewage system while they fix the problem.

On Monday 3 April 2017, a tenant in the property concerned reported that the sewage leak was fixed.

Eels killed apparently by oil or fat pollution 29 Jan and 3 Feb 2017 at bridge by LSB Bowling Club

This event has been reported to the Council 24 hour Pollution team yesterday by someone and the job number is INR60064799.

There's a collection of photos showing the fat/oil and the dead eels at 20170131-Dead eels and oil Little Shoal Bay

The following item is taken from https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsOfLeRoysBush/

A dozen dead eels are strewn along the stream near the Little Shoal Bay stream by the LSB Bowling Club. There appears to be oil or fat in the stream from the Seaview Ave Bridge up past the north side of the bowling club. Many thanks to those who have reported the event to the Auckland Council 24 hour Pollution Hotline.

On arrival at 8.21am, there was a lot of oil (not sure it's engine oil - in some places it looks slightly like a fat) in the stream either side of the bridge between the LSB Bowling Club and the path to Wilding Ave. The eels were in the stream bed and also stranded on the stream bank or in one case on a stick.

As the tide started coming in the oil started drifting up stream past the bridge. But down by Rods Island and Little Shoal Bay there was no sign of oil, except a small patch of oil in a dip below the pedestrian bridge on the south west corner of Dudding Park. People coming down the valley from Glade Place reported no sign of oil up towards Glade Place.

The dead eels were first seen Monday evening - but as one of them had a split in its gut, it's possible the oil spill occurred earlier.

Some of the early morning walkers were very disappointed by the pollution and deaths as they were enjoying the growing numbers of protected eels in this area.

Hopefully the Pollution Team will tell us what they think caused this and how to prevent a recurrence.

There are some photos in the following folder of the pollution and also the many weeds in flower around the LSB area: "20170131-Dead eels and oil Little Shoal Bay"

Maybe it's time we had another working bee around LSB? Watch this space?

Erosion around new walkway below Enterprise Motors - 16 Jan 2017

One of our active volunteers has provided photos of erosion around the walkway posts. This has been sent to Parks Department who will ask their contractors for a response. 16 Jan 2017.

Proposed track maintenance - Hinemoa Street Entrance by Le Roy Tce

One of our active volunteers has written the following email which has been forwarded on 3 Dec 2016 to the Parks Department for a response:

"I'm attaching three photos of the steps at the start of track S5 at Hinemoa St. The steps are concrete and in good condition, but rather steep and have no handrails. Each step is 30cm wide and 20cm high (within a few mm). Because of my age I am trying to discipline myself to always hold a handrail when going down steps because of the number of people I know who have broken limbs due to falls on steps. I think the risk of a serious accident on these steps is actually much greater than on the paths where barriers are planned because of steep drops beside the paths.

I also took four photos of the boardwalk at the intersection of the three tracks S3-S4-S8. The boardwalk is quite sound, but the "marsh" or wetland that it traverses has slowly risen over the years due to sediment being deposited here. The result is that the water level rises during heavy downpours and flows over the top or the boardwalk. When this happens it leaves behind a layer of clay or silt on top of the boardwalk. Also, the vegetation is steadily encroaching onto the boardwalk, and establishing itself on the boardwalk itself. The gaps between the planks that form the boardwalk are now mostly blocked full of soil and water no longer flows through them.

Geogrid mesh on track at junction of 3 streams 16 June 2016

A local resident and keen Le Roys Bush supporter has reported to Council a small section of safety mesh that is lifting and it is a trip hazard / safety issue. It is located at the intersecting of three walking tracks (Onewa Road entrance track, Hinemoa / Le Roys Tce track and the track that heads towards south Valley Road).

Note - if you see sections of mesh (called "geogrid") that need repair, please send an email to the Council contact centre (Call.Centre@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz) with precise details of the location and ideally a photo. And a copy to LeRoysBush@gmail.com if you'd like your report added to this page so that others know the problem has been reported. Ref # 8110002825

Fallen kanuka - Wernham Ave 15 June 2016

If you've walked down Wernham Ave and have noticed a kanuka on a big lean near the bend in the road, there's no need to report it - an neighbour has already done so. Ref # 8110002456

Pampas Grass on council land above Little Shoal Bay reserve 7 May 2016

Update 15 June 2016: we have recently heard that the Council's contract NZ Biosec Ltd is investigating this.

There is still Pampas Grass and other pest plants growing on Auckland Council land between 48 and 61 Seaview Ave, Northcote. We wrote about it last year but large clumps are still in full flower on this steep section used for drainage. We've raised tens of thousands of dollars to control pampas and other pests in the wetland so we are keen to remove all pampas around the perimeter of the reserve.

It's too difficult for volunteers to work on this land, so we are writing again to Auckland Council to see if they can tackle this again. Incident #Reference: 7000325119

Here's some photos showing the location:

Wasps

We reported another wasp infestation below 251 Birkenhead Ave on 3 May 2016 (Reference: 7000323852). No injuries this time.

• A number of wasp infestations in the reserve have been reported to Council this year. Council generally sends out their specialist the same day - particularly if there is a danger to the public.

• To report a wasp infestation, please phone the Auckland Council contact centre on 3010101 giving precise location of the infestation within the reserve. The person taking the call is likely to ask you for details of the location and will look it up on a GIS map. If you have the GIS coordinates please provide them. Please note that all parts of Le Roys Bush are managed by Council - even though some are legally DoC land.

• Wasps on private property can't be dealt with by Council staff - the property owner or tenant must engage a contractor.

• Please give your name and contact number so that the contractor can ring you if they can't find the wasps.

See page from below 241 Hinemoa Street into Le Roys Bush stream 6 March 2016

Pollution spilling into stream from near 48 Enterprise St 23 Feb 2016

This event has been reported to the Pollution Team who are investigating.

It appears that the pollution may have been caused by a roof cleaning company waterblasting a large roof and from a plaster spill on the same site. The Council is considering whether to pursue the persons concerned.

Here's some photos showing the white pollutants washing into the Le Roys stream, workmen on the roof of 48 Enterprise Street and white pollutants in a stream where banded kokopu used to live amongst kawakawa, parataniwha and ferns. [Updated 2016-02-27]

This is not ok. Just because a detergent or products like MotoMuck say they're environmentally friendly doesn't mean that they can be washed into waterways. (The spec sheet for MotoMuck says explicitly that it should not be released into waterways). Any of these products can make the stream and pools in bush reserves death traps for sensitive wildlife. We need to renew the signs in Enterprise Street to stop the pollution running from the workplaces there. We understand that one business has installed proper water filtering equipment - but the others are letting their runoff flow down the street and into Le Roys Bush stream. Many years Council arranged an evening to talk to property owners in the street - but only one turned up. Another when asked about washing his truck on the street, walked down to the stormwater grate and returned to say that the sign said "Flows to the Sea". So maybe we need new signs to say "Flows to Le Roys Bush stream where native fish live then to the sea".

Weed waste dumped in Le Roys Bush 19 February 2016

A volunteer saw a person who appeared to be a contractor dumping privet and blue morning glory trimmings in the bush near the Le Roy Terrace entrance. We have reported this to Council who say they have initiated an investigation. The site where the weed waste was dumped is one of the locations where a Beyond the Fence project has been hand weeding tradescantia and other weeds.

Trees down near 3 track junction 19 Feb 2016

2 pukateas about 10+ metres tall fell after wind at the 3 track junction. They were trimmed by volunteer Laurie. The event was reported to Council and Treescape has contacted us prior to removing the fallen trees.

Wasp nest at bottom of new steps at 251 Hinemoa Street - 20 Feb 2016

One of the fish monitoring team was stung by wasps about 5 metres from the kokopu pool. The nest was reported and dealt to by the Council wasp specialist.[21 Feb 2016]

Tree ferns cut down August 2015

On 23 August we noted that someone had cut down two tree ferns and dumped the trunks in the wetland beside the track near the Fairfax Ave track.

If you know anything about who might have done this, please get in touch. For photos, see 2015 Events and Achievements. [Updated 25 August 2015]

Waterlogged track behind Dudding Park playing field - fixed Sept 2015

A regular walker in Le Roys wrote:

"Because of rain, the path from behind the playing field along the flat as far as the bush has this week had the common problem of water lying across it, so that it must be avoided off the side in one place and dodged for much of the rest of it.

I see the scoured out track up to Hinemoa St has been fixed, which is excellent and much appreciated. Two(?) years ago there was also new gravel laid on the path behind the bowling club to the bridge to Wilding Ave, which didn’t need it. But nothing was done on the other side where there was then and still is a problem."

Sewage Leak followup - meeting with WaterCare on Friday 28 November 2014

Late Monday afternoon we were contacted by a Watercare engineer to say that the sewage leak was caused by a fats blockage in the sewerline from eateries in the Highbury Shops. WaterCare staff had cleared a blockage in the sewer line running from behind 57-63 Birkenhead Ave eastwards down parallel with Onewa Road. This blockage had caused sewage to back up and overflow from under Westpac Bank. The sewage had run down the slope behind the bank and entered Le Roys Bush stream then down the stream all the way to Little Shoal Bay. Watercare staff spread lime powder in the immediate vicinity. To avoid any further disruption to the ecology of the stream they didn't spread lime or disinfectant in or near the stream.

On Friday we met with the Manager of Network Operations and a Water Quality and Compliance Scientist from WaterCare Services Limited.

WaterCare is investigating various remedies. They will look at putting an alarm in the sewage manhole under Westpac Bank to detect recurrences. They will work with Auckland Council compliance staff to improve grease trap management in business around Highbury. They found that the greasetrap below one of the restaurants on Birkenhead Ave was completely full. It is not known yet whether other grease traps also suffer from a lack of maintenance.

It will be some time before we know how many (if any) fish survived the sewage.

WaterCare was very cooperative and keen to work with us to develop education and prevention programmes. Hopefully we might also work with them and Auckland Council to initiate restoration programmes if required.

Click here for more details and photos of this sewage spill.

The Kaipatiki Local Board will be discussing this issue on Wed 10 December 2014

Sewage Leak Alert - Sunday 23 November 2014

At 10am this morning we were about to start our working bee below the Westpac Bank, when we smelt then found a major sewage leak running from under Westpac Bank into the Le Roys Bush stream. We have alerted Council at about 10.20 am. WaterCare services attended at about noon.

We'd recommend that people and their pets keep out of the Le Roys Bush streams , the Little Shoal Bay Wetland and Little Shoal Bay until WaterCare advises the results of testing in these areas.

Thanks to Parks Department - September 2014

Many thanks to the Auckland Council Parks Department - we recently learnt that Council contractors have been through Le Roys and replaced all the old and damaged wirenetting with anti-skid black mesh (known as geo-mesh). This is great. We some broken boards have also been mended.

Possible sewage pollution - August/September 2014

Storm damage - June 2014

Update 4 July 2014: we learn that the track from Dudding Park up to the junction with the Glade/Valley Track is now open again. Many thanks to the Auckland Council Parks Department and the Beyond the Fence group for this.

Update 21 June: the track from Seaview Ave down to Dudding Park is blocked by a fallen tree. It did not appear possible to get past.

The track from Dudding Park up to the junction with the Glade Place/Valley Road track is blocked by 3 fallen trees. One of the fallen trees has ripped up the board walk (see photo below) and the tree is leaning against other trees - so still poses a possible danger. The council has erected barriers at various entrances to those tracks - but some appear to have been moved - esp the one at the Glade/Valley entrance. Several people were emerged down the track this afternoon - one jogging, the other on a mountain bike. They indicated that it is possible to clamber over the trees and around the broken boardwalk. But there are definite dangers and it appears the Council is fully justified in closing these sections of the track. We have had no indication when the fallen trees will be removed or the board walk repaired.

18 June 2014: John Gillon - Kaipatiki Local Board added 5 new photos to his Facebook page " ...due to last week's storm, the Le Roys Bush track from Glade Place to Dudding Park/Little Shoal Bay is closed. Part of the Kauri Glen Park track is also closed. Some photos below courtesy of Auckland Council officers."

Earlier incidents and reports

7 June 2014

This week a volunteer reported broken steps in the track going in from Onewa Road. The Council contractor fixed them within a few days.

Yesterday, a LRB walker reported further broken boards between Valley Rd and Dudding Park - these have been reported.

24 April 2014

Q. A visitor to Le Roys Bush has reported some moth plant growing in a hedge on the Le Roy Tce entrance to the bush. As every moth plant pod is said to have millions of seeds, there climbers are a real worry. We have reported this to Council Parks Department.

A. Great to hear from the Parks Department that the biodiversity co-ordinator has asked the contractor to remove the moth plant.

21 April 2014

A visitor to the reserve reports that Giant Reed (Arundo donax) plants are spreading in the area below the Enterprise Street entrance to Le Roys (between Enterprise Motors and Hauraki Panel and Paint) and that someone has been dumping garden rubbish over the bank by Hauraki Panel and Paint. If you see anyone dumping garden waste or any other rubbish into the reserve, please report it to Auckland Council at info@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and copy us in on the email LeRoysBush@gmail.com.

19 April 2014

Crack willow is reported re-emerging in the Upper LeRoys Wetland. We'll get on to this.

Back in the 1970s the wetland from the 3 track junction down to the raupo was a crack willow swamp. There were various valiant efforts to rid the reserve of this pest. But it needs ongoing vigilance. Interesting to see too that there is raupo growing just above the 3 track junction.

1 March 2014

Cement coloured water running down the stream from Hinemoa Street and running under the bridge at the three track junction. Flow had stopped by 2 March. Not reported to Pollution Line as response to 25 Feb report was not encouraging.

25 February 2014

Strong smell of sewage detected in the lower wetland by the Dudding Park field.

Reported to the Auckland Council Pollution Line.

When someone rang Council to see if it was safe to swim in Little Shoal Bay they were told that there was no record of the pollution being reported.

24 November 2013

Strong smell of sewage detected in the stream below Enterprise Street.

Will report it to pollution line and watercare (see Report pests & pollution )

1 November 2013 - fallen totara on track below Glade Place

LT has reported a fallen totara tree and wonders if it can be rescued. The tree is about 5 metres tall and maybe 70mm diameter. It is not clear why it has fallen but we are investigating if it can be rescued.

Thanks to all those who gave advice and offers of help. It seems the consensus is not to try and rescue the tree. Totara don't like wet feet - so it may be doomed anyway. On the other hand, it may put out more roots and continue to grow and in due course send up a new vertical trunk.

28 July 2013 - what are the "boundary" markers in the lower wetland

Have you seen the "Boundary" markers in the lower wetland on the track by the sewer line that crosses from Maritime Terrace?

One is hammered between the roots of a large Kauri. If you know what they are for, please share this with us - email LeRoysBush@gmail.com.

An enquiry has been sent to ActionLine@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz who have responded to say that they are the boundaries between the different legal titles within the reserve.

28 July 2013 - stormwater scouring of Le Roys Bush track

If you have walked through Le Roys Bush recently, you'll have noticed that a number of the tracks are badly scoured by stormwater. Some are down to deeply gouged. Some are quite muddy. Below Hinemoa Street the drain heads under the track are clogged with gravel and mud.

Earlier this year one of the committee members cleared all the drainheads near the Hinemoa Street/Le Roy Terrace entrance. However they have blocked considerably since.

We also noticed that the volume of water coming down through the bush seems to have increased markedly over the years - in some case ripping out native plants that we have put in the upper wetland. We don't know if there has been an increase in paved area drained into the reserve.

An enquiry has been sent to ActionLine@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

12 April 2013 - Large Native Trees felled on private property in Werhnam Place

Local residents were surprised to hear the sound of chainsaws running this week - with the operators calling to each other about which tree to fell next.

The property concerned is possible zoned 6C. We'll need to ask an expert exactly what this zoning means - but thanks to the Property Council and the 2009 RMA Amendment we understand that such mature trees are no longer protected. If it were Residential Bush Protection Zone 2B we understand that they would have been protected.

Is this what will become common place with the Property Council and the Government pushing for reduced controls in private land?

25 March 2013 - Tree ferns appear to be poisoned - but they weren't

A landscape architect walking along the track between Dudding Park and Glade Place/Valley Road noticed that several tree ferns appeared to have died.

Not sure whether they had been poisoned or suffered natural causes.

We have made some enquiries and it appears that what had happened was that the trees died in the drought and then, separately, the kikuyu around them was sprayed.

28 July 2012 - tree fallen on Valley Road track - reported to Auckland Council Call reference number 7000029050

11 January 2012 - privet trees felled and dropped into native bush below 1 Birkenhead Ave; Christmas tree, demolition and other rubbish dumped into Le Roys Bush.

During a weed patrol for the East of Highbury project, we removed a large number of weeds including scotch thistle, ox tongue, woolly nightshade and moth plant from behind 57-63 Birkenhead Ave and the Westpac Building (29-33 Birkenhead Ave). Checking down beside Rosella Apartments (1 Birkenhead Ave), we found that the plantings of karaka, kowhai, parataniwha etc are growing well. However we noticed first that an old Christmas tree had been dumped in the reserve - then saw that all but one of the privet on the Le Roys Bush boundary below Rosella Apartments had been felled. That they had been felled is very welcome - however they have been dropped into Le Roys Bush across mature native palms and trees as well as across the native seedlings that we had planted in 2011. Some of the privet are significantly large. We have contacted the Auckland Council and hope that the large limbs can be removed without further damage to the bush and without damaging the native seedlings.

23 December 2011 - Paint spill in upper stream below 65 Birkenhead Ave - reported to Pollution Hotline

12 December 2011 - Kauri Ricker cut down - end of Fairfax Ave - reported to Council