Issue: Protection for trees on council land

Part 7, Clause 7.18 and Part 11, Clause 11.2

Current

Street trees are protected under the current local law. Although the definition of ‘street tree’ is quite broad, we believe that the current clause is not clear enough to adequately protect trees and remnant vegetation in places other than streets.

Proposed

Expanding the existing clause to include significant trees and remnant vegetation on any council-controlled land, including reserves and foreshore reserves.

New clause added to Part 7 – Building works. This clause requires builders to take steps to protect trees on nature-strips and other land adjacent to building sites.

Significant tree definition added.

Rationale

Protecting and expanding the tree canopy across the municipality is a key strategy in the Council Plan 2021-2025.

These changes help us better protect the existing tree canopy and remnant vegetation, which is essential for meeting our environmental obligations.