Media release
26 August 2009

Public meeting called in response to tree protection aspect of RMA
Tuesday 1 September 7.30pm –Grey Lynn Community Centre

The Local Government and Environment Select Committee recently reported back on the Resource Management Simplifying and Streamlining Amendment (RMA) Bill – with dire consequences for trees.

Clause 52 of the Amendment Bill states that, in urban environments, only trees or groups of trees that are identified in a plan, in a reserve protected by the Reserves Act, or subject to a conservation management plan or strategy are protected under the Act – that means many trees, currently under the protection of the RMA, would lose that protection should the Amendment Bill proceed unchanged into legislation.

In response to this, the New Zealand Arboricultural Association (NZAA) Inc., The Tree Council (Inc) and Greenscene Limited (the country’s largest specialist arboricultural consultancy), are holding a public meeting on Tuesday 1 September 7.30pm to 9pm at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn.

Key speakers include Dr Russel Norman, Co-Leader, Green Party; David Shearer, MP, Labour Party; Christine Rose, Deputy Chair Parks and Heritage Committee, Auckland Regional Council; Sigrid Shayer, Chair, The Tree Council (Inc); Lisa Sanderson, Vice President, NZAA; and Stacy Colyer, Director, Greenscene Limited.

Lisa Sanderson, NZAA Vice President says it is imperative to get the message out to the community so there is an understanding of potential ramifications.

“While this clause may appeal in terms of reducing the number of resource consents required, it could lead to an unplanned, uncontrolled and unmitigated impact on our urban environment by property owners, developers, local authorities, utility operators and other individuals and/or groups.

“Over time, this would downgrade the quality of our urban environment and have negative economic and environmental impacts.”

Ms Sanderson adds: “We believe a public meeting will enable people to better understand the impact this could have, and sends a clear message that New Zealanders want some level of protection for our many trees.”

Ends

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