Media Release

Urgent action is being taken to resolve mounting concerns over the danger represented by stands of Redwood trees at Kerikeri which are threatening adjoining properties under storm conditions.

Two trees fell during high winds at the weekend. The top of one of the trees crashed through the window of an unoccupied room at the Kerikeri Retirement Village causing substantial damage.

District Facilities General Manager Alastair Wells said today an independent arborist's report has been commissioned and a full report would be made to the Council on Thursday.

"Depending on the outcome of the report we will be recommending that either the redwoods are removed immediately, or at the very least there is further selective felling. Some trees were selectively removed last year. However from the weekend's events it's clear that we have more to do," he said.

Mr Wells said a total of five trees had either fallen or been damaged over the last two storm events, two of which had either damaged or endangered private property.

"The trees that came down and those felled last year as a precaution all showed signs of stress either from rot or worm attack. In the past we have tried to accommodate community concerns to see the trees retained, but a point has now been reached at which the remaining trees are clearly a danger to life and property," he said.

This decision would be made when the full council meets on Thursday (31 July.)

As a result of metrological office warnings for today (July 29) and tomorrow (July 30), close monitoring of the trees would be maintained through the day and overnight. If necessary, emergency action would be taken to remove any trees posing a real threat, pending the council's decision on Thursday (July 31).

Adjoining residents had been advised of the situation.

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Page created/updated: 29 July, 2008

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