Raetihi folk angry at decision to pull the plug on Punch's Pond

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 681, 8 April 1997, Page 1

Raetihi folk angry at decision to pull the plug on Punch's Pond

Draining and fill ing the wetland pond at the Ohakune Road entrance to Raetihi has angered some Raetihi residents. Just before Easter work started on draining the pond. But the Raetihi Promotions Group had been working for about 1 8 months on plans to develop the area.

Group spokesperson Bernice Frost said their intention was to plant trees and shrubs to beautify the area, with careful planning. They intended to donate the trees as well as do the work themselves. Mrs Frost said the pond attracted birds including shags, pukeko, heron and a variety of ducks.

She said the Waimarino Community Board had earlier approved the plan. Mrs Frost explained that there were some initial problems, mainly with the surrounding area being very swampy. This meantdrains would have to be laid for the excess water. While this work was started, Mrs Frost claims

the work wasn' t completed. Ruapehu District Council engineer Bruce Dobson said there were three reasons for filling the pond: • The adjacent RaetihiOhakune Road was sinking and the pond was contrib-. uting to this problem. • The pond was a hazard to public safety. • The area was difficult

to maintain. Mr Dobson said the WCB had changed its mind and decided the pond should be filled in. But angry Raetihi residents say the pond had been there for some 30 years and "why should it start having that effect on the road now?" "Why have we not been asked our opinion?"