Owairaka rakau
Liz November 13th, 2019
STEPS was contacted regarding activities on Owairaka relating to tree removal. We have found that The Tree Council has outlined the planned work on the maunga and stated their support for it here. Like many other people we are always sad to see the loss of large trees, but we hope to join in some of the new planting activities in future.
- Community Interests , Mt Albert
- Comments(1)
How can you support the removal of 345 healthy trees without question, other than a mere expression of sadness?
The Tree Council has made it clear that it is not necessarily following best ecological practice for eco
when supporting this shocking unexpected decision of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
Rather, the Tree Council appears to be supporting it for cultural or political reasons as they perceive them; even though the Tree Council has no expertise in these areas.
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority previously stated that the process of replacing exotics with natives would happen gradually with succession planting .
The Tree Council acknowledges that many experts disagree with the advice that the TMA is currently relying on, to justify its mass felling of *all* established trees on Owairaka maunga at one time.
This is half all the trees on this maunga!
The canopies provided by the established healthy exotic trees give shelter to the growing native trees. The established trees prevent erosion and provide oxygen and cooling to the area, amongst many other important functions.
Auckland Council has declared a climate emergency. We see evidence of this in the red skies in Auckland, caused by the Australian bushfires. Auckland Council must stop supporting this decision. We must save the beautiful healthy trees.
Every community group that cares about the environment needs to support saving the trees!