Memorial tree stressed

A tree commemorating Graeme Lowe is struggling with the hot dry weather. Photo / Duncan Brown

Hawke's Bay summers are tough on young trees.

When legendary businessman and philanthropist Graeme Lowe died in 2012 the phrase "a giant totara tree has fallen" was used to described the occasion.

One year later a symbolic totara was planted in the Havelock North Domain and accompanying plaque unveiled.

The domain was where his body was put on to the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter, a service he long supported, following a packed funeral service at nearby St Luke's. It was his last trip over the Bay.

Hastings District Council parks planning and development manager Rachel Stuart said many new trees were struggling with high temperatures and a lack of rainfall.

"The tree planted in honour of Graeme Lowe in the Havelock North Domain, along with other new trees, receive water twice a week," he said.

"Last week it was recognised that the tree in the Domain was showing greater signs of stress than others and has been changed to a regime that will see it watered every second day."

Mr Lowe's daughter Sarah Lowe said she was very pleased the council was looking after it.

"Last year we did put extra buckets of water on it but we have been away this year so it hasn't had TLC."