In my dozen or so years as an elected member, I have found that nothing will fire people up like trees.

My first experience of this was when I was on the VCB (Vincent Community Board) and consideration was being given to removing a couple of trees to allow the turf to be put in next to Central Stories. The response from the public was visceral and I was relieved that a work-around could be found.

More recently, we have seen very strong feelings come out regarding the removal of some trees to enable the skate park to be built in Roxburgh and very recently we have heard from some members of the community who were and remain very upset about the removal of wilding pines at the Half Mile.

Our people are certainly passionate about our open spaces.

Which is why I’m wondering why the response is so low to our Open Spaces survey which closes this coming Thursday. This questionnaire will get community views on parks, cemeteries, playgrounds, sports facilities; as the name suggests, if it is a council open space, then we want to know your views on it. Those views will then inform a draft of the strategy which will go out for consultation next year.

This is a great opportunity for people to get in on the ground floor of how we will manage our open spaces for the next 30 years. Don't miss out on your chance to be heard, go to Open Spaces and Recreation Strategy 2023: Let's Talk Central Otago (codc.govt.nz)