Gum trees at Maketu to be felled

10 October 2018

Several tall gum trees bordering Te Arawa Avenue in Maketu are to be felled in December for safety reasons.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council will be closing Arawa Avenue to all public traffic, from 195 Arawa Avenue to Bledisloe Park Avenue, from Monday 10 December to Saturday 15 December, 6am to 6pm. The felling will be undertaken by WestLink and Bax Contractors.

The trees have become a safety hazard due to limbs falling onto the road. There have been two serious motor vehicles accidents caused by cars crashing at night into fallen branches on the road. Several of the trees were blown down during the cyclones Debbie and Cook in April 2017.

Maketu Community Board chairman Shane Beech says it will be a relief to everyone to get rid of the trees.

"Many residents have been worried about the tree's safety and some people won't drive along Arawa Avenue for that reason," says Shane.

The trees were originally planted at least 100 years ago by the Te Puke Dairy Company for the purpose of firewood to use for the company's boilers.

The public notice of the proposed road closure of Te Arawa Avenue for the tree felling is open for public objection. Anyone wishing to object can do so in writing before 24 October 2018. Objections can be emailed to: customerservice@westernbay.govt.nz