A Kauri tree in west Auckland saved from the chainsaw earlier this year is once again under threat of being cut down.
Arborists have arrived at the site on Paturoa Rd, Titirangi, with ropes and felling equipment rigged up ready to bring the century-old forest giant to the ground – the same tree which proved controversial in March.
The tree is not being cut down today, but it is understood arborists are clearing the area for the process to continue, although it is not clear when this will happen.
It is being reported contractors, security, police and a climber working for the arborists are at the site.
There are no protestors up the tree but a handful are on the ground.
The property's owners say there has been no response to a plan for the two properties to be purchased at a fair market value in order to save the tree.
Auckland Council undertook a review of the resource consent process in June and confirmed that two resources consents were lawfully granted and work could continue on the construction of two houses.
Therefore the landowners have continued to build a house on each of the two sites and have undergone legal action.
In a statement today, Auckland Council says it does not have any information on whether the landowner is planning to remove the tree.
"A resource consent to develop the site, which included removing the Kauri tree, was granted by an independent commissioner on November 7, 2014, and this remains valid," says chief operating officer Dean Kimpton.
In March the landowners agreed to delay chopping down the tree to allow for discussion with the Council and the community.
"Council engaged an external party to facilitate this process. To date these discussions have not resulted in alternative proposals being agreed by the landowner, or additional fundraising efforts by community representatives with a view to buying the sites. Council's offer to support discussions remains open," says Mr Kimpton.
Protester Michael Tavares helped save the tree in March by staging a sit in, and is furious the landowner's have broken their promise to keep it.
"A promise is a promise. I tend to try and take people at their word, and when we received that letter, that said the tree can stay I came down from the tree in good faith and it's saddening to hear that perhaps they're not acting in good faith," he says.
3 News / RadioLIVE
