A majestic Mount Eden Pohutukawa tree is at risk of being felled due to Auckland Council inadvertently leaving this (previously protected) tree off the protected tree schedule.  This 100-year old tree is a significant landmark in the area, with a canopy and height of over 20 metres. 

The tree was scheduled (i.e. protected) under the Auckland District Plan for visual amenity and botanic value.  However, through Council oversight/error, it was removed as a scheduled tree in the updated Auckland Unitary Plan (this occurred during the rollover from the District Plan to the Unitary Plan).  While this appears to have been a clerical error, it has huge consequences for the Mount Eden area.  We are lobbying Council to correct the error so that the protection of this tree is reinstated.

Loss of trees in Maungawhau/Mount Eden and Auckland could be as much as 30% or more.   Auckland is losing its mature trees at a great rate and this tree should be preserved in perpetuity. We are aware that the property owner wants to remove the Pohutukawa and construct four townhouses on the site.

Many locals are opposed to the removal of this tree, which they believed to be protected.  To date, Council have refused to correct the error but have now been advised that it has the power to correct minor clerical errors under 20A (Schedule 1) of the Resource Management Act (which would avoid a costly plan change).

I am a landscape architect who believes that some form of tree protection should be reinstated to protect what is left of our urban ngahere in Auckland.  By signing this petition, we can put political pressure on Council to step up and save this individual tree, assisting with the broader long-term goal of preserving our large urban trees in Auckland.