An iconic tree in the centre of Rotorua is to get cut down on Sunday after being deemed a safety hazard.
The Rotorua District Council is to remove a large pin oak tree on Tutanekai St between the Rotorua Courthouse and the Pig and Whistle which has become a safety risk after developing a major split in its trunk.
The tree is one of three on the eastern side of Tutanekai St.
Council parks and recreation manager Garry Page said the council was always reluctant to remove any tree but had to take action when it became a matter of public safety. "We've sought independent arborist advice to see if the tree could be saved but it appears that any attempt to do so would create more maintenance issues and the health of the tree would continue to decline.
"Any attempt at cable bracing the split stems would only delay the inevitable and some risk would remain in the meantime. So we've accepted the experts' recommendation to remove the tree altogether in the interests of public safety.