Kauri trees left exposed
Two mature kauri trees in Titirangi will not get special protection.
The trees on Paturoa Rd don’t qualify for Significant Ecological Area (SEA) protection because it was not offered for individual trees.
SEA was an area of significant native vegetation or fauna protected by local government.
Paturoa Rd resident Dinah Morris said it was a shame Auckland Council decided against reinstating the protection.
‘‘It’s such a pity that they won’t, SEA protection was there before and they removed it,’’ Morris said.
‘‘Why can’t they just sign a piece of paper, it’s not that difficult, and give the trees the special protection they deserve.’’
The trees had SEA protection until it was removed in 2014 following a resource consent submission from nearby residents to remove vegetation.
Auckland Council plans and places manager John Duguid said SEA protection was not given to an individual or small group of trees.
He said the trees would not be left vulnerable because the council would still have a say if someone wanted to chop them down.
‘‘These trees cannot be removed without a resource consent, as they are located within the road reserve and are greater than four metres in height,’’ Duguid said.