One Tree Hill summit project
Introduction
| New tree planting proposal
| Resource consent application process
| A short history of the pine |
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What has been chosen to replace the pine?
Resource consent has been granted for the planting of a small grove of young pohutukawa and totara. Some of the pohutukawa seedlings came
from those which self-seeded in the base of the Monterey pine that used to be on top of the hill and were saved when it was felled. Their
survival in such inhospitable conditions is regarded by some as a tohu, or sign from nature that they should be included in the new planting.
Also to be planted will be pohutukawa and totara seedlings sourced from high quality parent stock from the local area. These seedlings will
have a high chance of survival in the harsh conditions, and have good long-term growth and establishment prospects.
When will One Tree Hill be planted?
Planting will take place at a time when relevant iwi are comfortable with being involved in a joint planting venture. This is currently
dependent upon resolution of treaty claim procedures.
How did the resource consent application process work?
A notified resource consent was required for planting on One Tree Hill. Resource consent was granted in August 2001. In March 2001, the
consent was publicly notified, giving members of the public a six-week or 30-working day period during which they were able to make submissions
on the application. Once the submissions were received, a report was prepared by Auckland City Environments for the independently-appointed
commissioners who considered the planting plan. A hearing was held in August 2001, with the commissioners' making the decision that resource
consent be granted.
Is what's been chosen the final decision?
Careful consideration was given to what species will best thrive in the rugged conditions which exist on the One Tree Hill summit. It was
felt that pohutukawa and totara were most likely to survive. They were also the species of choice of local iwi and the many hundreds of
Aucklanders who responded to the invitation to express their opinion. The decision was made by independently appointed commissioners to plant
the pohutukawa and totara. A resource consent for a 10 year period was granted to allow the initial planting and further replacement planting
as required.
Why was this choice made?
The preferred option addressed the strong cultural and historical links that both species have with the summit. In addition, research showed
that pohutukawa was one of the two species most likely not only to survive, but thrive in the high winds and dry conditions which exist on top
of One Tree Hill.
The proposal allows for a process of natural selection to occur. It is envisaged that through this selection process, the sustainability of
the new tree at the summit will be ensured.
Auckland City Council took into account the views of local iwi, arborists, heritage experts, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, the
Cornwall Park Trust Board, and the several hundred people who wrote to the council expressing their opinion, when making the decision.
What other options were considered?
A number of other planting options were considered.
Transplanting a larger tree was not considered the best solution because of the low chances of its survival in the exposed summit conditions.
It was also felt there would be difficulties transplanting the tree within the limited planting area (six metres in diameter) given the
protection required for the valuable archaeological features.
There were also no locally-sourced specimens of suitable form and size available, and the costs of supporting and nurturing a semi-mature
tree under such conditions would be high. Doubts were also expressed that a semi-mature tree transplanted to the site would acquire the same
cultural significance as a seedling that grows and matures across several generations.
Updated June 2008
