A general consensus seems to have evolved in Auckland that we must protect our mature trees from the chainsaws that threaten so many trees, both exotic and native, especially from greedy developers whose only concern is the almighty dollar.
Ponsonby. Anyone not heard of us? We are Auckland's most-talked about part of town. Have a quick nose - and tell your friends! Enjoy your weekend. Ponsonby. Anyone not heard of us? We are Auckland's most-talked about part of town. Have a quick nose - and tell your friends! Enjoy your weekend. Ponsonby. Anyone not heard of us? We are Auckland's most-talked about part of town. Have a quick nose - and tell your friends! Enjoy your weekend. Ponsonby. Anyone not heard of us? We are Auckland's most-talked about part of town. Have a quick nose - and tell your friends! Enjoy your weekend. Ponsonby. Anyone not heard of us? We are Auckland's most-talked about part of town. Have a quick nose - and tell your friends! Enjoy your weekend. Ponsonby. Anyone not heard of us? We are Auckland's most-talked about part of town. Have a quick nose - and tell your friends! Enjoy your weekend. Ponsonby. Anyone not heard of us? We are Auckland's most-talked about part of town. Have a quick nose - and tell your friends! Enjoy your weekend. Ponsonby. Anyone not heard of us? We are Auckland's most-talked about part of town. Have a quick nose - and tell your friends! Enjoy your weekend. Ponsonby. Anyone not heard of us? We are Auckland's most-talked about part of town. Have a quick nose - and tell your friends! Enjoy your weekend. Ponsonby. Anyone not heard of us? We are Auckland's most-talked about part of town. Have a quick nose - and tell your friends! Enjoy your weekend.
But that consensus hides an uglier side to tree protection politics.
One of Auckland’s best friends is the Tree Council. I spoke to Mels Barton, first about so-called Big Mac, the large old macrocarpa which met its fate at the hands of chainsaws last month.
This old macrocarpa was a scheduled, listed tree, but it was finally taken off the council’s tree register, and demolished without any consent order being applied for.
I asked Mels Barton what taking a tree off the register meant for future tree protection. She said that protection offered by scheduling in the unitary plan is now meaningless. The Tree Council wrote a detailed letter opposing the removal of this tree but was ignored. They were supported by arborists and ecologists, who said there was no justification under the RMA for removing this tree.
Mels told me the decision, finally made by the Council CEO, exposed a dirty underbelly of corruption and dirty deals. My information tells me that Occam Director, Mark Todd, had been told much earlier he would be able to cut down Big Mac, and had already pre-sold 40 or so apartments, with the design clearly showing the absence of Big Mac.
I was also told that Todd had threatened to go to the High Court if Council denied him the right to chop it down.
The Tree Council advocates that skilled and careful management of both native and introduced trees is vital to their survival and ability to thrive.
The protests around the removal of this large old tree were comprehensive, but there are minor skirmishes between protagonists, which unfortunately sometimes prevents a unified protest. I’m afraid it’s often about individual egos. However, there seems to be universal agreement that the replacement act for the RMA will be critical to good environmental protection, especially trees. Remember it was National who weakened tree protection in the current RMA.
Mels Barton, like most environmental activists, is distraught that there are 587 trees, many nominated by their owners, waiting to be placed on the tree register. However, the council has closed the register, “no money for inspections etc”, yet has seen fit to take
a noted tree off the register.
Another issue affecting tree protection is the Tupuna Maunga Authority’s decision to chop down all exotic trees and replace with all natives. I was a volunteer on Tiritiri Matangi Island during the restoration of its native forest. We planted more than 300,000 natives, and restored the dawn chorus. I have planted kowhai, puka, pohutukawa and numerous pittosporums in recent years, and no exotics, so I strongly support restoration of native tree forests.
However, natives struggle in wind and if too exposed, as is the environment on most maunga. I would plant natives under the protection of larger exotics, gradually returning a complete native forest.
I would also like to see more costings done of the value of trees as carbon sinks, animal homes, and as an important part of the ecosystem. I have seen valuations of several hundred thousands of dollars. Maybe, a few more city dwellers would see the light if these figures were promoted.
Just finally today, I want to restate my opinion that city amenity values need protecting. Any time a local person complains about losing sun to a new tall apartment, or losing peace and quiet, they are called a NIMBY. I support population intensification and hate urban sprawl but I have concluded that the name calling is mostly unfair.
Please read a paper by former Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Morgan Williams, who wrote in 1997 that during intensive population pressure it is important that existing citizens have their most precious amenity values protected. One of the critical amenity values often mentioned is tree and garden protection. They mention trees more than any other amenity, including sun, views, peace and quiet, and yet council seems to have an aversion to absolute tree protection. It is a bad mistake. Trees are worth money and better health for our citizens.
Please help us all by urging your friends and neighbours to protect what remains of our tree cover. (John Elliott)
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