To tree or not to tree
November 3, 2005

Keeping an open mind will be the key to the first New Zealand Arboricultural Association's Annual Conference to be held in North Shore City.

The challenging topic of the 18th annual conference in Takapuna on November 10 and 11 is Trees and Development.

Arborists, architects, landscape designers, planners, engineers and biosecurity experts will get together to discuss issues with trees in their professions.

North Shore City Council's parks manager, Andrew Rutledge, says such a diverse range of people should provide plenty of thought-provoking discussion.

"We want to ensure there can be a frank exchange of views about this topic. With our city's rate of growth and increasing housing density, it's something we're constantly grappling with," he says.

Speakers at the conference include Dr Dealga P. O'Callaghan, from the largest arboricultural consultancy practice in the United Kingdom, and Dr Greg Moore, head of Melbourne University's School of Resource Management.

They will be talking about trees and urban planning - what works, what doesn't and why, and trees and what they need to grow in an urban environment, respectively.

Andrew Rutledge, North Shore City mayor, George Wood, and the council's planning arborist Gavin Donaldson will also be speaking.

A highlight at the end of the conference will be the National Tree Climbing Championship, which is being held at Marlborough Park in Glenfield for the first time.

Residents are invited to watch the event at the reserve - on Archers Rd - on Saturday, November 12 from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

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