The ancient pohutukawa arching over the Karekare Road is under threat from Auckland Transport who want to remove it order to comply with their blanket rule of 4.5m height clearance.
After being tipped off about the threat The Tree Council’s Mels Barton made a presentation at the Waitakere Ranges Local Board meeting and the Board resolved to oppose the removal and investigate. As a result Auckland transport have said they will do consultation with locals and with the Local Board before any decision is made. Auckland Council’s Parks Dept also oppose the removal of the tree.
The Tree Council along with other groups including the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society believe that the 4.5m height clearance rule is inappropriate in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area and other parts of Auckland with sensitive vegetation. Anywhere with trees overhanging the road is at risk from this rule. Beautiful streets like those in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn are threatened.
There is a Facebook page for the campaign. Please “like” it and invite your friends to “like” it too.
