Avondale Pecans Part 2

We are still awaiting a response to our letter dated 10 November (attached) calling for an urgent enquiry into the attack on the remaining Scheduled Pecans in Avondale that took place on 2 November.

In the meantime we understand that the trimming of these trees has now been authorised non-notified and that one of the trees is now all but dead.

The owner of the adjoining property who has placed his building underneath the trees without consent to work in the dripline we understand has now applied for consent. We would like to request this is publicly notified. As Councillor Cooper so rightly pointed out Scheduled trees are a public asset not a private one and therefore the public has a right to have a say on what happens to them.

The severely deteriorating health of these protected trees is likely a direct result of root compaction from illegal activity in their dripline. We understand that vehicles and equipment are still operating in the dripline of these trees and no fence has been constructed around the trees to keep people away from them. Development continues on a number of these sections around the trees and visiting contractors have no idea of the status of these trees.

In addition a Scheduled oak tree on an adjoining property is also being adversely affected by illegal work in its dripline because it overhangs the development site.

All these trees need proactive action by Council to protect them from illegal activity that is compromising their health. Not for that activity to be legitimised retrospectively and allowed to continue. This amounts to removal by neglect by Council and is a scandal.

What remedial measures to restore tree health are being required by Council of the developer(s)?

What enforcement action is being taken against the developer(s) who have illegally damaged these Scheduled trees?

Due to the lack of action on this issue we are now copying in the media as we feel the public has a right to know that Council’s systemic problems regarding the protection of the most important natural heritage assets in the city have not been resolved as was promised.

We look forward to your response.

Ngā mihi,

Dr Mels Barton
Secretary, The Tree Council

021 213 7779 mels@subliminal.co.nz

www.thetreecouncil.org.nz

www.facebook.com/TheTreeCouncil

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