Pruned trees 'now ugly'

Totara trees in Hautere Cross Rd which have been trimmed because of their closeness to power lines. Photo / David Haxton

A case of cruelty to trees has occurred in Otaki, a property owner believes.

Barbara Harford and her husband live on a rural property on the corner of Hautere Cross Rd and Otaki Gorge Rd.

She said the property included hundreds of well looked after mature totara trees on their 4.8ha organic farm property.

But about a dozen trees within their property boundary, which are close to power lines in Hautere Cross Rd, have been significantly pruned by Electra.

The work was needed as parts of the trees were in the growth limit zone of within four metres of power lines.

She said Electra would have cut down the trees, if that's what the pair wanted, at no charge, but if the trees had to be retained, costs would be incurred by the couple for the pruning required.

She said council had advised that the trees had to be retained and wouldn't pay for the pruning costs as the trees weren't on council property.

Mrs Harford and her husband, who have lived on the property for six years, have been billed about $2350 from Electra for the pruning work.

She said part of the District Plan was to protect heritage which was cared for.

"This isn't heritage."

She said the pruned trees were now ugly.

"And heaps of other people have said the same thing."

And the structure of the trees had become compromised due to imbalance, she said.
The best solution would have been to remove the trees, she said.

"These aren't going to be healthy trees.

"This is cruel to trees."

She felt the District Plan's "literal interpretation" sometimes put it in conflict with electric power line legislation.

"For the health of the trees, and the visual beauty of the landscape, both of which are criteria for the District Plan, it would be far more appropriate to plant eco sourced trees back from lines that can grow unimpeded and healthily."

Mrs Harford knew council had to adhere to the law.

"But they need to look at alternatives that are also eco-friendly, be a bit more flexible in their interpretation of the District Plan, and consider it case by case thoughtfully."

Council regulatory services group manager Kevin Currie said where tree pruning or removal isn't permitted under the District Plan, for example where native trees in a rural area are beyond a specified size, property owners are able to apply for a resource consent.

"Each consent application is considered on its merits, taking into account factors such as the significance and health of the tree, or trees, and potential negative impact on other trees or fauna in the immediate environment.

"We're always open to talking to people about their specific situations where they have concerns." Mrs Harford said the couple hadn't been told they could apply for a consent. We were never told that was an option."