Auckland Transport threatens to rip up planted berm in Manly

Manly resident Dee Pigneguy discuss the berm. Photo / RNZ

Rip it out - or we will.

That's what Auckland Transport has told the creator of a planted berm north of Auckland. It's after Manly resident Dee Pigneguy found herself in a standoff with Auckland Transport and some neighbours over the berm, which she planted to stop flooding and promote environmental awareness.

RNZ reporter Katie Doyle and cameraman Nick Monro first visited Pigneguy last year, so they popped back to find out if she'll be saying goodbye to the berm.

Pigneguy said the letter from Auckland Transport was very threatening.

"It virtually tells us that we are public nuisances and, if we don't return this berm to a desert of grass in which no life can possibly exist, they will come out and do it themselves and it will cost $3450."

However, she's not going down without a fight. She says the berm is sustainable and environmentally friendly.

She used the berm to plant food she could provide to people who may have been struggling due to Covid-19.

In a statement, Auckland Transport said it has received a total of four complaints.

It said staff visited the site on June 23 and would look again to see if a compromise can be reached.

But Pigneguy says she's made multiple attempts to contact them with no results.

"I would've thought, if they had a problem with my berm, they would send someone out here to speak to me. They must have staff if they've got enough staff to keep hassling me."