KEY POINTS:
Fears that Hamilton's boy racer problem will get worse with the introduction of a V8 Supercar street race were quashed by a psychology professor at the first day of the critical resource consent hearing into the proposed event yesterday.
But it was a submission given by a self-confessed "tree lover" that was the real talking point, with the welfare of 57 central city trees shaping up as a factor in the independent commissioner, Alan Withy's decision.
Arborist Mike Esson of the Waikato Tree Trust told the hearing that his organisation opposed the V8s because it disagreed with the removal of trees.
He suggested a tree evaluation compiled by expert consultants on behalf of the city council was inaccurate.
It was also doubtful that some trees would be retained as outlined in street circuit plans, he said.
Of serious concern was the pending removal of pin oaks on Mill St, where a pit lane and a grandstand were planned.
It was submitted that if the event went ahead, the council should undertake mitigation works such as the transplanting of cabbage trees, which could replace those that needed permanent removal.
The cabbage trees could live for 11 months of the year at their main site, but then be transplanted for one month while the event was on, Mr Esson said.
The trees were picked out as alternatives because of their resilience to being transplanted and were attractive to look at, he said.
Earlier the commissioner heard expert evidence from an Auckland University professor of psychology about whether links existed between the V8s and increases in boy racer activity.
A number of submitters against the event had raised concerns that the V8s would glorify or encourage boy racer activity in Hamilton.
Professor Keith Petrie told the commissioner he had searched psychological and medical literature and had found no scientific evidence of a link between organised motorsport and boy racer activity.
"Boy racers almost exclusively favour high-powered Japanese imported cars such as Subaru and Mazda models," whereas followers of V8s identified strongly with Fords or Holdens, he said.
Hamilton Mayor Michael Redman told Mr Withy his council supported the event unanimously, and he asked the commissioner to grant the necessary consents.
Steve Vuleta, event manager for the New Zealand round of the V8s, said Hamilton provided ideal elements for a street race.
"I consider it also has the potential to surpass existing street race facilities around the world."
This was because of the spectator-friendly nature of the course which provided access to stands inside and outside the track.
The "green belt" surrounding much of the circuit in the form of parks and reserves would make for attractive television coverage, he said.
The track was also wide which encouraged passing, enhancing the spectacle of the race.
Racing ahead
* Councils from Hamilton City and Waikato District have lodged separate resource consent applications for the hosting of the international street race for seven years from 2008.
* The three-day hearing includes verbal submissions from the public in opposition or support.
* Environmental issues to be highlighted are the effects on trade of local Frankton businesses, access to the area, parking, traffic, and increased noise levels - as well as the loss of natural features such as trees.
