North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Avos protected by razor wire
An Auckland homeowner has gone to extraordinary lengths to protect an avocado tree from sticky fingers.
The property, on the corner of Gribblehirst Rd and King Edward St, Sandringham, has an avocado tree on its boundary which overhangs public land.
The tree’s fruit were just an arm’s reach away for pedestrians, until security was beefed up.
About 2 metres of green razor wire now runs along a concrete wall at a height of about 1 metre.
Earlier this year, avocado prices reached record highs - selling for more than $7 each.
The increased security was first noticed by local resident Peter Clark, who took to Neighbourly to voice his concerns.
Clark said he noticed the razor wire in late October and, believing it was a community safety hazard, posted images of it to the site to warn his neighbours.
‘‘Razor wire in Sandringham doesn’t have a place as far as I am concerned,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s just so low to the ground it is a genuine safety risk and could easily catch a kid’s arm or even a cat. Is a child’s health really worth a few avocados?’’
Auckland Council’s public safety and nuisance bylaw says a person must not use a public place to install or maintain a fence, including razor wire, in a manner that may cause injury or a nuisance.
Home owners can apply for permission to erect security fencing; however. any fence designed to inflict injury must be at least 2 metres above ground level.
Auckland Council team leader compliance response central manager Adrian Wilson said council records showed no complaints in relation to this particular property.
‘‘However, we will now investigate to determine whether or not any action is required,’’ Wilson said.
If the fence was found to be in breach of the bylaw, the individual property owner could be required to remove the fence or make it safe, alternatively the council could have the fence removed, he said.
‘‘Any costs could be laid against the property owner. Ultimately, they could be prosecuted and face up to a $20,000 fine.’’
The council has had five complaints so far this year relating to barbed or razor wire.
Multiple attempts made to contact the homeowner were unsuccessful.