MEDIA RELEASE - The Tree Council
19th August 2010
 
John Banks does not know his wood from his trees
 
John Banks, Mayoral candidate for the new Auckland council, does not appear to understand the new RMA legislation regarding urban tree protection.
 
At this week’s Mayoral Debate on the urban environment at Auckland University’s Business School, he told the overflowing lecture theatre that the new local boards would be able to decide what form of tree protection they want.
 
“This shows either worrying ignorance, or some welcome support for our view that the legislation should be reviewed,” says Sigrid Shayer, spokesperson for The Tree Council.
 
“The formation of the new Auckland wide Council would provide the opportunity for consistency on urban tree protection measures across the whole region.  Disastrously, the new legislation, which will come in force on 1 January 2012, will prohibit local authorities from having any form of urban tree protection on private land other than scheduling notable trees in the District Plan, an expensive, time consuming and very limited protection measure.” 
 
“The Tree Council is hoping that whoever is Mayor will support our call for a working group to review the existing general tree protection measures, and lobby the government for a review of the impending change in the law.”
 
ends