Consultation over future of Keirunga Gardens trees extended
Hastings District Council has given itself – and the public – more time to consider what to about the aging trees in Havelock North’s Keirunga Gardens.
The fate of the trees – mainly oaks – in the gardens’ Arthur’s Path walkway has divided residents, with many rallying in support of keeping them but others saying they should be cut down on health and safety grounds or for other reasons.
The council has been addressing the issue through the draft Keirunga Tree Management Plan which was originally open to public submissions until next week.
But the council has now extended that deadline to April 5 in light of a new report.
Arborlab Consultancy Services Ltd has conducted a peer review of the draft tree management plan and assessed the risk posed by the trees, as well as their health and condition.
Resulting from that review, Arborlab has put forward a number of alternative pruning and removal recommendations for the Arthur’s Path walkway.
The council has now included the review as an addendum to the current consultation.
“While both reports identify the same or similar themes in dealing with the tree stock on Arthur’s Path, they differ markedly in their recommended approach to dealing with the trees and in particular the large oaks,” the council says.
The consultation period has been extended to “give the community time to absorb and give feedback on this additional information” and anyone who has already submitted will have the opportunity to add to their submission.
The council says it will consider the draft tree management plan, the peer review and all of the submissions, before deciding on its course of action.
“Options, ranging from the status quo (minimal maintenance and keeping the park safe) to major landscape change will be considered,” it says.
“Ultimately, the decision will be based on the full consultative approach, and the outcome of the decision will then determine future budget requirements. In the meantime, the council will continue to monitor the health of the tree stock to ensure all steps are taken to keep visitors and nearby properties safe.”
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst encouraged the community to read both reports and have their say.
“Keirunga Gardens holds a special place in the heart of our community, and we look forward to hearing from and working with our people to come up with a plan that reflects the significance of this beloved public space.”
