Storm victim to be felled

A dangerous Redwood tree in Hawkins Crescent, Kerikeri, is to be felled on Thursday (August 30).

The 25-metre high tree has been monitored by the council since early July when it started leaning towards adjoining houses following heavy rain and strong winds.

“A stage has now been reached when in the interests of public safety we have little option but to remove the tree,” Community Services Operations Manager Sue Hodge said today. To create a clear path to fell the tree, a further five trees in the area would also be removed.

Adjoining neighbours had been notified of the decision to remove the tree and advised in the interests of safety to leave their homes from 8.45 a.m. until midday while the tree-felling is completed. The area will be secured by council contractors to prevent the public inadvertently entering the danger zone.

The council has also notified the Kerikeri High School, Kerikeri Christian School, and the Kerikeri Retirement Village which are all located in the area, and has notified the Labour Department of its intentions.

Once the tree was safely on the ground, contractors would cut the branches into smaller sections for removal and clear the site of debris.