This week’s big southerly storm has done some serious damage to trees in the city – and Wellington City Council staff and contractors face a major cleanup.

The City Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Manager, Bradley Schroder, says it’s not hard to see the impact of the vicious winds on Sunday and Monday – trees are down all over the city – not to mention large swathes of the lower North Island. The storm is considered the worst we’ve experienced since the destructive southerly in 2013.

Broken branches are hanging from trees on roadsides and the Botanic Garden and cemeteries have also been impacted. Chainsaws are already busy across the city as staff prioritise the cleanup of trees on roadsides and other busy public areas.

Dr Schroder says staff are dealing with almost 900 job ‘tickets’ received by the Council’s Contact Centre and contractors since Monday. He’s expecting the tally to steadily rise as more damage is reported by members of the public and staff. By way of contrast, the Council dealt with a total of about 2000 tree ‘tickets’ in 2025.

He warns members of the public to take extra care and be on the alert, if they feel the need to venture into forested parts of the Town Belt and other parks and reserves. “Many trees are likely to be in an unstable state and may continue to fall or drop branches over the next few weeks”.

“Our staff have to clean up the streets and busy areas like the Botanic Garden first – public safety is a priority - so they are now just starting to tackle the Town Belt and reserves. Be careful out there – and please report any serious damage or danger to the Contact Centre via Fixit, info@wcc.govt.nz or on 499 4444.”

Dr Schroder says it took months to clear up the tree damage after the 2013 storm – and the situation is likely to be similar this year.

Reminder - free green waste disposal at Southern Landfill for residents

Wellington residents can dispose of their green waste at the Southern Landfill for free for the next week following this week’s storm.

The free period – till 5pm Thursday 26 February - will apply to residents turning up in non-commercial vehicles at the landfill weighbridge. Normally there’s a $10 minimum charge for green waste delivered in private cars, vans or utes and in domestic trailers.

We advise residents to head to the landfill early in the day – the hours are 7.30am to 5pm – to avoid congestion at the weighbridge.

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