Clear-cut choice for tree on the hill

8:00 AM

It seems a pohutukawa is Aucklanders' choice to replace the felled Monterey pine on One Tree Hill.

The Auckland City Council removed the 125-year-old tree at the end of last year after chainsaw attacks turned it into a public safety hazard.

Council parks and recreation chairman Bill Christian says he has received more than 100 suggestions for replacing the tree.

He says it is too early to make a final decision, but the will of the people seems to be clear, with a pohutukawa getting the nod from most.

Bill Christian says although yesterday was the official deadline, he will be happy to receive submissions for another week.

Last April, more than half of Herald readers responding to a survey said they favoured planting a pohutakawa on One Tree Hill.

From the Herald Online archives:

27.10.2000

Rudman's city: Let's fast-track planting a pohutukawa

03.04.2000

Pohutukawa favoured to make hilltop bloom

Herald Online feature: Tree on the Hill