Trees fall to apartments

Six trees, including jacaranda and oak trees, were removed to make way for an apartment block site on Auckland's Parliament St at the weekend, despite the protests of local residents.

Members of the Bay Heritage Protection Society had to be pulled away after they placed their bodies in the way of contractors for Perron Developments. No arrests were made.

It was the final act in an 18-month saga for angry residents, who say the trees are more than 100 years old.

Auckland City Council said the trees were not protected because they had no historical or botanical significance.