Outrage over plan to fell ancient pohutukawa

Tree lovers are outraged at plans to fell an almost century-old pohutukawa to make way for a new business park.

The Tree Council (Auckland) is considering taking legal action after the Auckland City Council decided the fate of two large Avondale trees without public consultation.

The 9ha Rosebank Rd site, once a market garden, has been cleared apart from two trees standing together. One is an oak; the other a pohutukawa thought to be 80 to 100 years old.

A written decision is due soon, but it is understood the council has decided to let the developer fell the pohutukawa, but not the oak.

Tree Council chairwoman Sigrid Shayer said she was "quite staggered" that a decision had been made behind closed doors.

Green MP David Clendon said the developer's decision to apply to remove the tree was remarkable given the large size of the site.

"Taking those last few metres seems a bit greedy."