Michael Tavares in Court Today for Titirangi Tree Action

Michael Tavares, who occupied the Paturoa Kauri for 81 hours in March is today making his first appearance in the Waitakere District Court to hear what charges will be made against him.

Mr Tavares was issued a trespass notice verbally whilst in the Kauri on the 9th of March but was not arrested or charged at any point. After handing himself in to the New Lynn Police Station he was summonsed to appear in court today.

“By occupying the tree, a whole community was able to have their voice heard on an issue that they should have been consulted on in the first place. Communities shouldn’t have to risk their safety or break the law to protect significant ecosystems or just simply have their voices heard.”

“Unfortunately with National’s reforms to the Resource Management Act and local body decision making processes the people of Titirangi and communities all over Aotearoa New Zealand have been seriously let down.”

Mr Tavares is calling for a National Day of Action to give communities around the country a chance to share the stories about their special trees, and to call for the rules protecting these trees to be strengthened.

“We are calling for groups, organisations, friends and families to support this Day of Action by organising an event and taking a photo in front of their special tree."

"Whether it's a protest or a picnic, Sunday 3 May will be a chance for everyone to share their stories about their important trees, and why they matter personally, or to the community."

“We can’t climb every tree and we shouldn’t have to, what we need is better leadership and legislation.”

“People want to have a voice, we saw that in Titirangi in March and we’ll see it again across Aotearoa in May.”

For more information, see: Facebook event or email thewildernerd@hotmail.com

ENDS

© Scoop Media