Auckland Transport Board needs to hear alternatives to destruction of historic trees

Auckland Transport’s board is unlikely to hear of the widespread concern from iwi, urban design experts, the Tree Council, cyclists, and the wider community about Auckland Transport’s plans to destroy a stand of mature pohutukawa trees on Great North Road as part of the St Luke’s junction project.

The trees were planted around Arbor Day in 1934 as part of a Depression-era project to enhance greenspace and create Chamberlain Park. They stand opposite the gates of MOTAT, and over recent months have attracted a storm of protest and a number of signs and colourful ‘yarnbombing.’

“Representatives of the various interest groups had asked for the opportunity to briefly address Auckland Transport Board at the open session of the Board’s meeting on Friday 20 February,” says Christine Rose, a spokesperson for the Pohutukawa Savers. “This is the only opportunity the board will have to hear of the range of community concerns about Auckland Transport’s plan. Auckland Transport have advised, however, that only one community representative will be allowed to address the Board.”

Jolisa Gracewood, a spokesperson for the Pohutukawa Savers, who has written about the issue for the blog Public Address, said this is the latest in a series of events that have seen the community effectively shut out of debate on the controversial decision to remove the trees.

“All but two of the 64 written submissions to a Council-appointed Hearings Panel on this issue were opposed to the loss of the trees. Fully 54 of these submissions, including a petition with 1475 signatures and individual comments, were ruled out of order on a technicality; a wrong number was supplied and a mistake perpetuated by Council in its correspondence with the public up until the late afternoon of the day before the hearing.

AUT Maori Development lecturer, Ella Henry, questions Auckland Transport’s claim that "no concern was raised by mana whenua in regard to the removal of the trees.” She is concerned that there has not been appropriate and meaningful consultation with Mana Whenua groups, and also Mata Waka/Taura Here – those Maori who are not tangata whenua, but are, like herself, part of the Auckland community, and who are passionate about ensuring that indigenous flora and fauna in the region are protected and enhanced.

Ngati Whatua Orakei Deputy Chairman Ngarimu Blair said they have not been engaged on the proposed tree removal and is concerned with their removal. "That area is already hostile to families who visit MOTAT, Pasifika and Western Springs. It is hoped the design can be re-thought to retain these trees and any other measures that can bring back a sense of calm and safety for those not in cars," Blair said.

Transportblog editor Patrick Reynolds points to several flaws in Auckland Transport’s preferred design: “The proposed plan meets only narrow transport objectives, offers inadequate provision for walking, cycling, and public transport, and fails on social and environmental grounds. It would be a travesty to destroy the trees for a sub-optimal design, when credible alternatives exist.

Says Christine Rose, “A community liaison meeting in January was remarkable for the unwillingness of Auckland Transport representatives to even discuss alternatives that would meet their objectives and preserve the treescape.

“Friday’s board meeting is a last chance for positive, open dialogue. We would like to see Board members fully informed of the range of concerns so that they are well-positioned to test the thinking of Auckland Transport officers and their advisors before agreeing to the destruction of a piece of Auckland’s history.

Jolisa Gracewood says that there is strong community support for funding an appeal to the Environment Court should Auckland Transport proceed.

“There is frustration at the proposal, the high-handed process, the unwillingness to consider alternatives. Auckland Transport is a publicly funded, Council-owned CCO that spends 50% of Auckland’s rates on roads but cannot be held accountable by the public for how it spends their money. If accountability can only be achieved through a legal process, reluctantly, that will be the next step.

“We are hoping, however, that the Auckland Transport Board will ask their staff to reconsider this ham-fisted plan and come up with something more appropriate for Auckland’s goal of being the world’s most liveable city. Auckland Transport is already pursuing excellent projects such as shared spaces, the boardwalk, transforming the disused Nelson St off-ramp into an aerial bike path, and deferring the Reeves Rd flyover for the AMETI busway, so we remain hopeful.

“These long-lived native trees were originally planted as a nod towards the city's centenary. Preserving the trees and working around them as we look forward to the bicentenary in 2040 would be a splendid gift to future generations of Aucklanders, for which Auckland Transport would be warmly praised and respected.”

The Auckland Transport Board meeting will be held on Friday 20 February at 1pm in the Kauri Room, Level 11, HSBC, 1 Queen Street, Auckland. Anyone interested in showing their support for saving the trees is encouraged to attend.

ENDS

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