Nor'West News: October 15, 2020

12 Thursday October 15 2020
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
NOR’WEST NEWS
Your Local Views
Addressing tree removal challenges
From the board
David Cartwright, chair
Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board
CHRISTCHURCH, in the past,
has often been referred to as the
Garden City, this being a nod to
our beautiful gardens, trees and
shrubs that are the pride and
joy and method of relaxation for
many of our city residents.
I am very proud of this identity,
it sets us apart from other
New Zealand towns and cities. I
enjoy my weekends in the garden
and I can recall many fond childhood
memories with my parents
in their garden as I grew up.
We are blessed with great
parks across the city, a worldclass
Botanic Gardens and places
like Mona Vale with its gardens
broadening the Avon River.
Mature trees across the city add
considerable value to this picture,
and recently the city council has
been consulting on its tree policy.
For a period of 15-plus years,
this policy has needed clarity
and updating. Thanks to our new
chief executive Dawn Baxendale
this has occurred with a draft
proposal now out for comment.
It is an important document as
it affects everyone. Trees bring
significant pleasure to many people;
children love climbing them
and they bring cover in the heat
of summer.
To our native birds, they
provide food and shelter. From
a climate change perspective,
trees add a huge value providing
shade and a cooling effect plus
help filter out carbon from the
atmosphere.
As a community board, we are
regularly faced with tree removal
challenges, with compliant of
damage to footpaths and stormwater
pipes. In some cases, this
may require a resource consent
or a medical certificate from a
resident to remove a tree. Having
a policy that directs a board, that
makes it clear to residents what
is permitted (or not), is easy to
interrupt and is consistent across
the city will make resolving these
issues easier.
In addition, the policy takes a
proactive approach to replanting/
replacement programmes and
maintenance issues combined
with addressing tree species will
help long-term. I will update
readers in time on the process
here.
Readers might have also
seen recent articles about the
Bishopdale Mall “master” plan
and plans for a development in
this area – the community board
wants to see a positive outcome
for all the stakeholders here both
short and long-term. No set ideas
are set in stone and should you
have an interest in this area/
project please get in touch.
MAINTENANCE: Christchurch has the world-class
Botanic Gardens and a proactive approach to
replanting and replacement of trees.