Wednesday March 8 2017
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BAY HARBOUR
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PAGE 9
News
Tree under threat
By Noah Graham RICHARD JONES says chopping down an iconic Seamount Tce tree is “disappointing’. Mr Jones has lived at his family home in Mt Pleasant onand-off for the past 65 years and as an admiring neighbour of the gum tree, he is certain the community would not be the same without it. The 90-year-old manna gum has been cut piece-by-piece over the past few weeks after the owner of the property decided it was too much to manage, he said. In response, Mr Jones was one of more than 50 Mt Pleasant residents who signed a petition to show their support for the tree in an attempt to change the owner’s mind. He said the tree deserved to be on the hill as it is a part of the community’s history and although he understood the owner’s reasoning, it is a shame the owner could not come to another solution. “They might not know it but they will become known as the family who chopped down a 90-year-old tree. “Everyone is absolutely disappointed.”
STILL STANDING: Mt Pleasant resident Richard Jones says it is disappointing a 90-year-old tree is being cut down. PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN
Seamount Tce resident Eddie Du Plessis has spent the last three weeks rallying support for the tree in an attempt to change
the owner’s mind. Mr Du Plessis said he, and five other Mt Pleasant residents, showed the owner the petition. The man listened to their opinions but was not going to budge on his decision. “We wasted our time talking to the owner.” Mr Du Plessis said the owner did not want to deal with the effort required to keep the gum tree maintained. A spokesperson for the city council said the tree used to be on the Notable and Heritage Trees list but was omitted from the significant trees list in December 2015 when city council, submitters and the property’s owner agreed the tree did not warrant protection. “Accordingly, the owner is free to manage the tree as they wish,” the spokesperson said. Mt Pleasant Memorial Community Centre and Residents Association chairman Derek McCullough said it was sad for the community that the tree would be coming down but he could see both sides of the issue. He said he realised the tree was an important part of the community but there was also parts of the tree that were dangerous.
Comments from the petition to stop the tree being felled It’s shape, magnificent stature and many moods give us something to marvel at on an hourly basis as the weather and light change. It has been a constant companion from which we have taken inspiration and strength. It represents the beauty and uplifting power of nature. It is indeed a significant and exceptional tree and it does not need to appear on any list to provide an immense value to many people way beyond the boundaries of its substantial leaf mass. Simply look at it with fresh eyes and try to catch a glimpse of what we see and feel. This tree is beautiful. Please keep it. Ninety years old can never be replaced in such glory. The stunningly beautiful manna gum tree would have been planted around about the same time as our house was built and is part of that heritage. We have a very large garden full of natives and exotic planting and the native birds enjoy both. You need exotic trees to create that diversity and artistry which helps us all work though the trials that life throws at us. We hope you will reconsider this issue and we as a community will be there to support you in its maintenance.
I would like to express the extreme sense of loss I would personally feel if this tree was removed. I have observed it in all it’s many moods, bathed in golden sunlight. Waving its branches in wild weather, it is magnificent at all times. It is a haven for many birds, bees and butterflies. A tree of such stature cannot possibly be replaced. If its beauty and character were taken away, I would be profoundly saddened. We in the neighbourhood all get different views of this majestic tree. Each day it is one of our first sights as we let the daylight into the kitchen. The proposal to bring this magnificent, noble tree down is much worse than disappointing.
New Zealand’s newest and oldest city BUILDING A NEW CITY WATERFRONT Construction starts on a new central city waterfront this month – Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct – The Promenade. It will extend from the Antigua Boatsheds near Christchurch Hospital to the Margaret Mahy Family Artist impression showing what The Promenade will look like along Oxford Terrace, above the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial.
Park. Work starts on the intersection Oxford Terrace and Lichfield Street this month. The Promenade will be finished in mid to late 2018. The Promenade will vary along its 2.8 kilometres,
Completed section near The Terraces.
but all areas will include: 1. An accessible walking route adjacent to property boundaries. 5 2
4
6
1
3
finishes in the first quarter of 2018.
3. A paved pathway for pedestrians near the
Many features in the square are either earthquake
river edge. cyclists and vehicles (10kph speed limit). 5. A flexible occupation zone that can be brought to life for outdoor eating and other recreational uses. 6. Tree-lined rain gardens, other landscaping and seating.
E: P:
info@otakaroltd.co.nz 03 357 6300
W: otakaroltd.co.nz
Work to restore Victoria Square has started and
2. Seating near the edge of the river.
4. A shared space promenade for pedestrians,
Completed section near the Worcester Street Bridge.
RESTORING AN OLD FAVOURITE
damaged or close to the end of their life. This project will restore the square and make it safer and more accessible for people. The much loved Bowker Fountain will be repaired. The statues of Captain Cook and Queen Victoria will remain, as will the horse watering ramp and floral clock. There will be some new features such as art works and a new punt stop at the river’s edge.
Artist impression of what the new ‘Tauranga Waka’ punt stop will look like. The development of the restoration plan was overseen by a Community Reference Group
Paving, art, gardens, lighting, and seating will
There will be no access through Victoria Square
following a public feedback process carried out in
make the area accessible to people of all ages and
while work is underway, but access along a pathway
collaboration with project partners: Christchurch
abilities. Service vehicles and customers will still
between Armagh Street and Durham/Kilmore
City Council, Matapopore Charitable Trust on behalf
be able to access businesses, but the speed limit
Streets (through The Commons) will be available
of the Te Tūnanga o Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and the former
will be lowered.
for most of this time.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.