1759 days ago

Auckland trees an 'eyesore' after being cut in deep V shapes to avoid power lines

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Good morning Auckland neighbours,

Auckland residents are up in arms after a row of trees was turned into an “eyesore” in a bid to protect some power lines.

Residents of Alford St, in the central Auckland suburb of Waterview, woke up last week to find the trees on their berms cut into deep V shapes.

John Jones, who lives opposite one of the trees, said they were “quite an eyesore”.

Auckland Council’s regional arborists and ecological manager David Stejskal said the trees were pruned by contractors Treescape as part of routine maintenance of trees growing under power lines.

The overzealous pruning was brought to the council’s attention by a local board member.

Officials have since visited the site and spoken to the contractor about the unacceptable nature of the pruning, Stejskal said.

“The power lines clearance programme needs to strike a balance between the regulatory clearance required to protect power lines and maintaining the viability of the tree,” he said.

Our contractors agree to clear trees to regulatory and contract specifications and best practice guidelines which in this case were not carried out.

“We are currently speaking to Treescape about what needs to be done to remedy the situation.”

Treescape confirmed it is working with the council to remedy the situation.

“We understand the concerns of the residents, and we’re working together to resolve the issue,” a spokesperson said.

“That’s all we can say at this stage.”

What do you think of the way the trees have been cut?

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.

We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.

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🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
  • 82.4% Same!
    82.4% Complete
  • 17.6% Would have liked to try something different
    17.6% Complete
148 votes
26 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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4 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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