In response to recent public interest, Auckland Council has shed light on a controversial tree felling decision made by a developer in the suburb of Pukekohe.

The move comes as part of a broader effort by the council to protect and enhance the city's tree canopy.

Why Were the Trees Allowed to Be Felled?

The developer was granted Certificates of Compliance to remove trees on private property.

Auckland Council issued these certificates because the activity was in line with the Auckland Unitary Plan, which governs land use in the city.

The decision was made in accordance with the law, as the trees were not located in a Significant Ecological Area and were within the Rural Urban Boundary, making their removal a permitted activity.

Craig Hobbs, Auckland Council Director Regulatory Services, emphasised that the council diligently reviewed the proposal over months to determine if resource consent was required.

Ultimately, no consent was needed, leaving no room for discretion in assessing the tree felling's environmental impact.

Significant Ecological Areas and Fauna Protection

Significant Ecological Areas, introduced in 2013 and confirmed in 2016, are designed to safeguard Auckland's biodiversity.

However, the overlay designating these areas came into effect after the Certificates of Compliance were issued, meaning the trees were not protected at that time.

The council's ability to consider the impact on indigenous fauna, such as bats, is directly tied to whether resource consent is required.

In this case, since the vegetation removal didn't demand consent, assessing fauna effects was outside the council's purview.

Craig Hobbs reinforced the council's commitment to environmental protection through resource consent processes, highlighting their role in assessing environmental and societal impacts.

Auckland Council's Tree Planting Initiatives

As part of the Urban Ngahere Strategy, Auckland Council is actively working to increase canopy cover in the urban area by 30 percent, with a local goal of 15 percent tree canopy cover in each local board area.

This initiative includes extensive community involvement.

In the 2022/2023 financial year, over 1.6 million plants, including trees, were planted, reflecting a significant increase from previous years.

Multiple programs, such as the Natural Environment Targeted Rate and the Mayor's Million Trees campaign, have contributed to this impressive tree-planting effort.

Auckland Council says it is dedicated to balancing development with environmental conservation, aiming to create a greener, more sustainable city for its residents.