7 September 2009
Media release

Labour condemns Government ban on tree protection

The Government's plan to ban councils from using general tree protection rules would put Auckland's coastal pohutukawa at risk of a chainsaw massacre, says Labour's Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford.

"The Government is determined to get rid of the tree protection rules as some kind of trophy in their war against red tape. And in the process they are prepared to sacrifice our trees. It is the ninny state at work. They are interfering in local government, stopping councils from using solutions that work at the local level.

“Labour recognises tree protection rules could be improved. Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons has proposed a compromise solution that would allow homeowners to prune trees without needing a consent, and quicker easier consenting by certified arborists, but Environment Minister Nick Smith has rejected this out of hand,” Phil Twyford says.

“The Auckland, Waitakere and North Shore Councils have used the general tree protection rules. Under clause 52 of the Government's Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Bill, councils will be prohibited from using the rules and will only be allowed to individually list each tree they want to protect which would be so expensive as to be impractical.

"Development pressures in Auckland are so intense that our urban, and particularly the coastal, forests will be at risk if the Government rams this through. We’ve previously seen the occasional rogue developer willing to clear pohutukawa off a cliff-top section to provide a new house with a clear view.

"Stand on top of Mt Eden and look at Auckland. The trees make our city beautiful, provide habitat for birds and give our streets character. They protect the coast against erosion. As Aucklanders we all have an interest in looking after the trees.

“Seventy-eight per cent of the submissions to the select committee on the issue
opposed the ban on tree protection rules. But the Government isn’t listening. It’s prepared to bulldoze this through in spite of overwhelming opposition from the public and environmental experts,” Phil Twyford says.

“Labour opposes the plan and will work with the Greens to promote an amendment that makes tree protection rules less onerous but still provides protection.”

New Lynn MP David Cunliffe said the ban presents special difficulties for the recently protected Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area which utilises soon-to-be weakened RMA processes.
"I will be discussing with the Labour caucus tomorrow options for protecting the Waitakere Ranges from clause 52. The impact of the ban will be most critical in areas like Titirangi where the built-up area meets the bush."

ENDS

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