27 July, 2025

Problem pohutukawa hearing on way

Residents of The Sands apartments in Takapuna are hoping their battle to remove a large pōhutukawa that fell across their lawn three years ago, may finally be sorted after a hearing next month.
The tree is considered part of Te Uru Tapu / Sacred Grove and any action over it has become mired in wider issues of the sensitive ecological and cultural area’s management by council.
After a resource consent for its removal was sought, the application was publicly notified last December, drawing 36 submissions in support and two against.
On 6 August commissioners will hear the matter, with a reserved decision to follow.
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board is also expecting a workshop with council staff on Te Uru Tapu on 12 August.
This month, board members expressed frustrations on inaction at the closed-off beachfront site, where weeds and litter are an issue and seawall work has been called for to prevent tree roots eroding. Tree tending and plans for a path outside the closed area to a viewing platform have also stalled.
Members unanimously called for updates, on plans and costings. “I feel like we’ve been banging on about this for years and years,” said deputy chair Terence Harpur.
Around $1 million was set aside for work at Te Uru Tapu. The board wants a clearer idea of latest cost estimates and how much has been spent to date.
Staff said path costings were coming, along with an update from arborists on their tree health assessments, some of which have been propped up.
Other matters, including iwi engagement, which has been problematic, were outside their scope, members were told.

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