Editorial: Gang too axe happy

Terry Molloy

Move over Mongrel Mob, there is a new gang in town - destructive, barbaric, unwilling to listen to those who know better, devoid of aesthetics, hell bent on devaluing what has taken years to build.

This gang is destroying the environment not only for us, but the city's future. It is the Tauranga City Council's tree management subcommittee, which has supported nearly every tree-felling application. United in wielding the axe to the city's ancient trees, save Councillor Terry Molloy, the only pro-tree voice.

Last week John Cousins reported on the fate of silver birches in Cherrywood, a silk tree in Harvey St and seven pines in Papamoa, the latest trees for the chop. Typical complaints of residents were that silver birches were messy with seeds getting into houses, or a health hazard because of allergic reactions.

How representative are these applications of Tauranga's majority? Can just a few residents decide on a city tree's fate?

Chief reporter Michele Hunter grew up in those streets. She told me she is sad that her children will not see the streets as she remembers them, tree lined and beautiful.

In my view these few residents are unfair as people who litter streets or discharge effluent into the harbour.

Such is their belief in their rights over the environment.

If residents of Cherrywood dislike trees why choose to live there? Wouldn't a new subdivision be more appropriate?

To those whingeing about seeds, are we so lazy that we cannot sweep? To those with allergies, there is a chemist in Cherrywood that can sell you antihistamine.

If residents were allergic to dogs, would the council's animal committee approve a mass slaughter?

Alarmingly, the council is flouting the advice of the city arborist who says there is no reason for those trees - or the Papamoa pines - to be removed.

Felling them is inconsistent with tree policy. Rather than accept his expertise, the subcommittee is reviewing rules on removal of street trees.

Do not underestimate how this subcommittee could devastate the city's landscape. Once trees are gone, we can't get them back.

I will be voting for a councillor who understands the importance of a city's tree stock, who sets policies for proper tree maintenance and who plans for a tree-lined future.