Titirangi community divided over proposed water treatment plant

A controversial water treatment plant is being proposed for a section of native bush just outside of the Titirangi township. The original plan had the plant situated in Oratia, with Watercare stating 12 houses would be required to be removed. However, a successful protest from the community has stalled this proposal, with Watercare now considering an alternative site - a four hectare patch of land which barriers Exhibition Drive, Woodlands Park Road and Manuka Road. Local residents voiced their concerns in early June by placing placards on trees with words such as "Watercare, don't chop me down”. On the Green Desk yesterday, Lily Peacocke spoke with the Titirangi Residents and Ratepayers Association, Dr Mels Barton, regarding this contentious issue, but residents are saying she represents only a small section of the Titirangi community. To illuminate an alternative perspective, 95bFM reporter Adam Jacobson speaks with the Titirangi Protection Group’s president, Simon Kitson.