COMPLAINTS from the public were well heard at the cutback of the town's azalea bushes. PHOTO SUPPLIED
RUAPEHU District Council says it is sorry for any distress caused by its contractors cutting azalea bushes to ground level at the western end of Manson’s Gardens by the pedestrian rail underpass. With many of the older established plantings at the historic Manson’s Gardens such as the azaleas being significant to Taumarunui residents, the visual impact of the work saw a flurry of complaints to the council. LONG-TERM IN MIND RDC regional manager Ed Hadfield said the work was done by a horticulturist with the long-term health of the azalea bushes in mind, but he appreciated the shock it may have caused some people. “In the opinion of our horticulturist the azaleas were in a poor condition due to a little or no maintenance over many years,” Ed said. “This caused a large amount of dead wood to be on the plants and there was a significant amount of disease present. Although very extreme, it was decided that the best way to care for the plants was to cut them back to ground level and allow them to re-sprout again, which is starting to happen with the new spring growth. “We will now be able to manage their regeneration and with active care and pruning ensure they come back in a healthier condition and provide many more years of pleasure to people. With the benefit of hindsight, it would have been better to consult with the Ward Committee ahead of the work, so people could be advised in advance about the pruning plan and why it was necessary.” “With this in mind we are developing a management plan for Manson’s Gardens that will outline the work programme for the gardens. PLAN TO BE PRESENTED “The plan will be presented to the new Taumarunui-Ohura Community Board and any other interested parties for feedback before implementation,” he said. The council’s manager for community and recreational facilities, Rina Hepi, said Manson’s Gardens was one of the ‘jewels in Taumarunui’s crown’ and both the council and recreational services are committed to ensuring it receives the best possible care and attention. The longer-term vision is to have management and development plans for all the council’s key reserve areas under Recreational Services care, she said.
