Stress levels rise over tree rules
A group of Whitby residents say ‘‘hopes and aspirations’’ they have for their properties are at stake as Porirua City Council conduct ‘‘discussions’’ on which trees and vegetation will be protected in changes to the District Plan.
The council has its Significant Urban Vegetation Identification document out for informal consultation.
There are about 1500 affected landowners across Porirua. It has come about due to changes in the Resource Management Act in 2009 on the management and protection of vegetation.
While the council says there will be further, more formal consultation, residents who live in Exploration Way are anxious. David and Sheryn Harpham have plans for an orchard, vegetable gardens and walkways, but these will be in jeopardy if there are rules imposed on what trees and vegetation must be protected on their land.
‘‘The word ‘protection’ is the key here,’’ Mr Harpham says. ‘‘ It comes down to a difference between protecting something and sustainably managing it, so this initial contact we’re having with the council is making us extremely nervous. We’re stressed about it – our family have been good stewards on this land for more than seven years and this has been a bolt from the blue.’’
Mr Harpham says he understands what PCC is trying to achieve, but hopes it will not be at the expense of individual property rights.
‘‘We want to protect native bush and the environment, but it looks like we’re being told if you have trees you could lose those rights. We love Whitby as a place to live and owning property gives you some certainty in life. Our hopes and aspirations are at stake here. If it’s not broke [the legislation], why fix it?
Neighbour John Sharp says ‘‘ discontent is brewing’’ among residents off Exploration Way, and even further afield in Porirua. This is likely to be a country-wide issue before long, he believes.
Mr Sharp has owned his 14 acres for 21 years and says 12 acres of it could be classed as reserve, restricting his future options.
‘‘Why can’t they leave things the way they are? So much is not being said and there are issues under the radar here; the anticipation for what comes out [in the next round of consultation] is killing me.’’
The council’s environment and city planning manager Matt Trlin says while this part of their District Plan review has been on the horizon for some time, the process is in its early stages. To date, the informal feedback has been help- ful in ‘‘ providing a steer for the direction (we) should take’’ and there has been an ‘‘ overwhelmingly positive response’’, with landowners cautiously supportive.
The council is not required to carry out consultation under the RMA, but Mr Trlin accepts the management of important vegetation areas ‘‘is entirely reliant on developing strong partnerships with landowners’’.
He would not be drawn on specific areas, but the document states Whitby has a number of areas of regenerating scrub, primary forest remains, exotic trees and coastal escarpment vegetation and riparian vegetation around the tributaries of Pauatahanui Inlet.
Mr Trlin says properties in Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay, particularly, will likely see a reduction in vegetation removal restrictions under the District Plan.
‘‘In terms of the legislative drivers the RMA is very specific in requiring that councils must, as a matter of national importance, recognise and provide for the protection of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna.
‘‘The challenge for [us] is to find the balance between these statutory requirements and how the Porirua community wants to manage these values.’’
Following the
analysis
of feedback, PCC will send out a draft proposal on District Plan chances to landowners in July.