10 December 2015

Paturoa Road kauri tree

Auckland Council is aware of media reports today of plans to remove a kauri tree at 40 Paturoa Road.

Chief Operating Officer Dean Kimpton said:

“We have seen the media reports but we do not have any information on whether the owner is planning to remove the tree.

“A resource consent to develop the site, which included removing the kauri tree, was granted by an independent commissioner on 7 November 2014, and this remains valid.

“In March this year, in response to community concerns, the owners of the property agreed to delay removal of the tree to allow for a conversation with Council and the community.

“Council engaged an external party to facilitate this process. To date these discussions have not resulted in alternative proposals being agreed by the landowner, or additional fundraising efforts by community representatives with a view to buying the sites. Council’s offer to support discussions remains open.

“The council has followed due process as set out in the Resource Management Act by considering the effects of the tree removal, the ecological value of the sites and the effects of the development itself.”

Background
· Auckland Council has granted two separate resource consents for the construction of two houses on adjoining sites in Titirangi which includes the removal of a number of trees.

· The landowners have elected to build close to the road which minimises the number of trees that need to be removed because there will be no long driveways.

· Like all similar applications, this was assessed under the Resource Management Act and the District Plan.

· For the site containing the kauri tree, the council sought the views of the local board and iwi and the final decision to grant the application was made by an independent commissioner.

· The kauri tree is not listed in the District Plan as a scheduled tree

ENDS

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