Mature trees lining Ngaio St will be replaced following kerb and channel work

16 March 2005

Christchurch City Council has today written to residents in Ngaio Street, St Martins, to outline its commitment to replace mature trees removed during its kerb and channel upgrade.

The Spreydon-Heathcote Community board received a petition on Tuesday night from residents of the street asking for the trees to be retained.

The board and Council staff noted residents concerns and fully appreciated the genuine attachment residents have for the trees in the street.

After considerable questions and discussions the board, with residents’ agreement, recommended that the kerb and channel work in Ngaio Street would proceed. This work involves the removal of trees in the street.

Council staff gave an assurance that they will use their best endeavours to replace the trees with trees at least 7m tall and of a reasonable girth this year. Council is prepared to source trees from throughout the country for the replacement.

Jane Parfitt, the Council’s city environment general manager, says staff will be back in touch with street residents and others in the community before May about the type of replacement trees to be planted.

Board chairman, Phil Clearwater says he applauds the role of all parties in reaching a decision on the Ngaio Street trees. “It was a good example of the residents feeling empowered to work through their community board for a solution,” he says.

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