The morning sun filters through the leaves of a young pōhutukawa, casting dappled shadows on the footpath below. For many of us in Mangere, this simple scene represents hope for cooler summer days, cleaner air, and a greener future for our tamariki. But recently, that hope has faced some challenges.
Misguided actions
Last month, several newly planted street trees on Winthrop Way were cut down overnight. This act of vandalism shows a lack of appreciation for the incredible value trees bring to our neighbourhood.
These trees now need to be replanted to meet council compliance – money that could have been invested in other community services. More importantly, it sets back our collective journey towards creating the healthy, resilient Mangere neighbourhood we’re all aiming for.
Mangere’s low tree cover: what it means for us
Something that might surprise you is that Mangere has one of the lowest tree canopy cover in all of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. At just 8%, we're sitting well below the city's target of 15% per local board area. In fact, Mangere as a whole, ranks among Auckland's least tree-covered suburbs.
But this isn't just a number on a map – it's a reality that affects our daily lives in ways we might not even realise.
Mangere’s hidden heroes
Every tree in our neighbourhood is working overtime, providing benefits that extend far beyond their beauty. When we plant a tree, we're not just adding greenery, we're investing in our community's future.
Environmental Champions
Our trees are natural air conditioners, creating cooler microclimates that make walking to the shops or waiting at the bus stop more comfortable during Auckland's hot summers. They're also pollution fighters, absorbing harmful particles from the air and releasing fresh oxygen for our families to breathe.
During heavy rains—something we know all too well in Auckland—trees act as natural sponges. Their roots help manage stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding in our streets and homes. In a changing climate, this flood mitigation role is becoming increasingly vital.
Community Connectors
Trees provide natural meeting places that bring our community together. Research shows that neighbourhoods with more trees experience lower stress levels, better mental health outcomes, and stronger social connections.
For our Māori and Pacific whānau, trees also represent deeper cultural connections – opportunities for sharing mātauranga, creating māra kai, and maintaining relationships with the natural world that sustain our identity and wellbeing.
Economic Boosters
The benefits aren't just social and environmental; they're economic too. Trees provide natural cooling that can reduce household energy bills during summer months. They increase property values by improving neighbourhood amenity and making areas more attractive to buyers.
A call to our community
We have the power to make a difference. Every tree we protect is a step towards a healthier neighbourhood.
We encourage you to become advocates for our urban forest. Talk to your neighbours about the benefits trees bring. Get involved in community planting days. Help us spread the word about why every tree in Mangere matters.
The vision for Mangere Development has always been about creating healthy homes and thriving communities. That young pōhutukawa casting shadows on the footpath today could be providing shade for your mokopuna to play under in years to come. But only if we protect it today.