Historic tree at Richard John Seddon family home to be felled

Richard John Seddon. Photo / File

Heritage New Zealand is working to have a decaying tree felled from the historic site of the Seddon family home, in Kumara.

Rot was noticed in the base and trunk of the towering tree at the recent 150th commemorations for former Kumara mayor and NZ premier Richard John Seddon.

It is one of two established cypress trees next to the remains of the family home, lived in until they moved to Wellington in 1895.

Heritage New Zealand southern regional manager Paul McGahan said it was a hazard and they were working to have it removed as soon as possible.

"If it did topple it would go across the stone ruins."

The age of the tree is not known but McGahan said it post-dated the Seddon house. It is believed to be an offshoot of a larger tree.

The historic house at the Seddon family home.

"Fortunately the bigger tree is fine."

NZ Farm Forestry West Coast member Susi Thompson, who discovered the rot while visiting the site, suggested timber that was able to be salvaged could be made into something for the site or the community.

- Hokitika Guardian