Removal of redwood trees in Kerikeri
Work to remove two groups of mature redwood trees in Kerikeri will begin following growing safety concerns about the condition of the trees.
The decision came after a 30m redwood tree failed and fell onto a maintenance shed at the neighbouring Kerikeri Retirement Village, crushing the structure and narrowly missing a gardener who managed to escape moments before impact. The incident has been accepted as a 'near-fatality' notification by WorkSafe NZ and has prompted urgent action to reduce further risk.
The work will be carried out in two phases, with the first stage beginning in the first week of February and expected to take approximately eight weeks. During this time, the walking track through the redwoods will be closed and access to Hawkings Crescent will be restricted to residents only.
The second phase of work to remove the trees located on Wendywood Lane will be carried out later this year.
Specialist arborist OS SafeTree Limited will be carrying out the work, during this time the scope of works will include:
· Site establishment, fencing, and safety signage
· Traffic and pedestrian management to maintain safe access
· Installation of noise and environmental controls
· Controlled sectional dismantling and removal of redwood trees
· Use of cranes, elevated work platforms, and rigging where required
· Stump grinding to below ground level
· Removal of all logs, mulch, and green waste from site
· Reinstatement of disturbed ground areas following completion
Background
The trees, located on Wendywood Lane and Hawkings Crescent, were planted in the 1940s as shelterbelts for adjacent farmland but today are surrounded by urban development, including retail to the north and the Kerikeri Retirement Village to the south.
The trees’ proximity to residential and commercial areas has been of concern for over a decade. Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board canvassed for the trees’ removal in 2014. However, 84 per cent of submitters opposed the felling and an annual inspection regime was undertaken instead. In May this year, the council removed two at-risk trees, programmed removal of one further tree, and undertook canopy dead-wooding, shoot removal and ground-mulching to improve resilience.
The Proposed District Plan lists both redwood stands as notable making their removal a ‘restricted discretionary’ activity. However, if emergency works are required to prevent imminent danger, removal is permitted under the Resource Management Act.
Frequently asked questions
A review was carried out early 2025 with village representatives and WorkSafe, and an arborist’s assessment was undertaken. While the arborist found no immediate stem-cracks in the redwoods, there was evidence of root-plate movement on four trees. The report questioned the stability of the trees during extreme weather and said that pruning alone would be an insufficient remedy.
No, the cost associated with storage and distribution of materials added unnecessary expense and would have further delayed or complicated the project when safety is the priority.
It is potentially likely that a large number of the trees will be rotten, as per previous fellings, therefore they would not be suitable for on-selling, or any use to anyone.
At this stage the council's focus is with removal of the trees that pose a health and safety risk to the public. Future considerations with regards to replacing will sit with the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board.