Orakei Reserve tree removal

From City Scene, published on 19 January 2008

Public safety concerns have prompted the Ngati Whatua o Orakei Reserves Board to start removing 30 trees on the Kitemoana Street plateau of the Whenua Rangatira. The 28 poplar trees and two eucalyptus trees, managed by the council as part of its parks maintenance programme, are generally in poor condition or have collapsed. The Whenua Rangatira Reserve Management Plan supports removing exotic trees and replacing them with suitable native species. A spokesperson for the Ngati Whatua o Orakei Reserves Board, says the trees have reached the end of their useful lives, and allowing new native trees to flourish will help with the ecological restoration of the Whenua Rangatira for future generations to enjoy.