Media Release - The Tree Council
 
20th August 2010
 
Land Purchase to Save Rosebank Road Trees Hangs in the Balance

Avondale community groups and The Tree Council are a step closer to seeing a public reserve created from the Lot on which two controversial landmark trees stand in Rosebank Road, Avondale, but time is running out. 
 
Auckland City Council’s Finance and Strategy committee listened to the arguments put forward for the land’s purchase, by The Tree Council, Avondale Community Gardeners and Nina Patel a local resident, at the beginning of their meeting Wednesday this week (18th August). 
 
“The item itself was considered in the confidential section of the agenda, so we don’t know yet what happened, but we are hoping for the best,” says Sigrid Shayer, spokesperson for The Tree Council. “If the Council do decide to purchase, it may hit the barrier with the Auckland Transition Agency, but we hope they can also see the merits of this project.”

“If the land is not bought, then the alternative is that these landmark trees will be lost amongst concrete and glass, and not be visible to Rosebank Road, the residential neighbourhood and passers by.  The developer, Jonathan McKearney, of Connell Place Ltd, wants to fell the Pohutukawa and build and tarmac across the whole site.  A public park would create a green gateway to the industrial and business areas, a more pleasant environment for the wider residential community, and ensure a lasting legacy to the market garden heritage of the Peninsula.”

Last week Auckland City Council’s Arts, Culture and Recreation committee recommended that the land be purchased and referred the matter to the Finance and Strategy committee.  The proposal also has the backing of the Avondale Community Board.
 
Last month the City Development Committee agreed to start the process to protect both trees by listing (scheduling) them as notable trees in the District Plan.  That process is about to begin.  The developer meanwhile has applied to fell the Pohutukawa, and limited notification has been made to The Tree Council, (as per their High Court action last March) who will be supported by around 40 witnesses.  As the developer’s application was filed before the notification of the scheduling, his application takes precedence.
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