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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

ABC WEdnesday: M for Mountain



This photo of Ngarimu was taken when he played host to my sister Elizabeth, Bro-in-law Kallang from Borneo to his marea,











http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/


Technically, Mt Eden or Maungawhau is not a mountain. But we affectionally call our volcanic cones Mt Something. If you are a tourist to Auckland, chances are you will be taken up by bus by the tour operator right up to the summit and you get to walk round the rim of the crater. There, in amazement, you see an astounding 360 degrees bird's eye view of Auckland city. This is every tourist and tour operator's dream.

However, on the flip side, there is the ecological problem. The mountain may not sustain all the heavy load of traffic. In the past, the council rents out the mountain to farmers who graze their cows. This has stopped as this is tapu area and it disrespectful to have the cow pats all over sacred area. On a selfish reason, I am glad I don't have to watch out to avoid stepping on the shit. I climb up the summit quite often to get the challenge. I don't use the road but climb on the slope. Some parts are quite steep.

Organization chairman Kit Howden approached the board in February, concerned with a lack of management and direction for the Mt Eden-Maungawhau mountain.

"We support heritage tourism and not the mass tourism which is not contributing to the care of the maunga and not operating in accordance with the management plan."

Large portions of the mountain's western slopes are lacking support because of an unstable wall and the remains of an old quarry not being adequately revegetated, Mr Howden says.

These worries are coupled with Ngati Whatua O Orakei's concerns for the mountain in the lead-up to the world cup. Ngati Whatua heritage and resource manager Ngarimu Blair believes vehicle access should be restricted to the summit of Mt Eden-Maungawhau for safety reasons.

Ngati Whatua and the council are working on a co-governance plan for Maungawhau and other volcanoes, which could see a new management structure in place before the world cup.

15 comments:

Su-sieee! Mac said...

I hope it all works out for the mountain. Heritage tourism is really the way to go.

Roger Owen Green said...

and you all are kings and queens of the mountains! or whatever it is, technically.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

rainfield61 said...

You are the queen of the mountain!?

And I am too!?

jabblog said...

Tourism needs to be carefully managed or the earth's resources are in danger. Among other things I worry about the many tourist cruises to the Antarctic.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Wonderful pictures of the view all around!!! So is it dangerous up there, is the hill really in danger of maybe collapsing?

betchai said...

it's always inspiring to look down at the beauty of the world and share the bird's eye view when on top of the mountain. hope the heritage tourism continue to fluorish.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Ann, When is the World Cup going to be in New Zealand???

Glad they are going to 'preserve' that 'mountain' ... It looks like a wonderful place to view Auckland.

Thanks for sharing your 'mountain'.
Hugs,
Betsy

EG CameraGirl said...

Love the sign thet encourages us to love the mountain. :)

Meryl said...

The scenery is breathtaking and what a great way to get into shape. I wish I could do it!

George said...

I think that 'mountain' is a good term for this. I hope it can be protected from too much tourism.

kat said...

It's a wonderful feeling when you were on the top of the mountain. I have tried that. Great shots.

Thanks for the ABC comment.

Jennifer Bowen said...

I can't believe I've found somebody who blogs and living in New Zealand. My husband and I are thinking of retiring there. Any suggestions/tips?

Lovely photos! Looks like your family had a wonderful, relaxing time.

Jama said...

NZ is well known for it's beautiful mountains/ volcanoes! coming from a 'flat' country, I'll climb any mountain just to experience the change.

Jean said...

oh i never knew we have mountains day too! thanks to you now that i konw, Aan!

Have a nice day! =)

My recent post:
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Cildemer said...

Very beautiful pics and place to go for a walk!
Thanks for sharing;o)

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