New pear trees planted along Napier Rd

With the roadworks in Napier Road nearly complete, a number of people gathered last week to plant 21 new trees along the central median strip.

About 30 trees were removed earlier this year in preparation for laying the Havelock North section of the new Hastings to Havelock North water main.

The original trees were planted as a Rotary Club of Havelock North beautification project in 1973, so the council invited club members to help with the new planting project, to mark another era in Rotary service to the community.

The Bradford Pear was the chosen tree, and councillors, staff, Rotary Club members and a band of volunteers were all on board to re-plant the area.

Council works and services committee chairman Kevin Watkins says he was delighted that Rotary helped with the replanting.

“I was even more delighted that one or two of the Rotarians who were involved in planting the original trees were here.”

While it was sad to lose the original trees for the greater good of installing the water main, which had to go in quickly, he said he was pleased that the project was on schedule.

“No doubt the new variety of trees will add a new vibrancy to this section of road.”

Havelock North Rotary Club president John Pollard says Rotary welcomed the opportunity to be involved in selecting and planting of replacement trees, one of a long list of amenity and environmental improvements the club had carried out.

“Past and long-standing members understood the need to upgrade the infrastructure in Napier Road but were disappointed that this may have been at the cost of the original plantings.

“However, through cooperation and goodwill, the Hastings District Council’s infrastructure improvements will be completed and very appropriate replacement trees planted.”

Club members Peter Longstaff and Ewan Wallace were at the first planting day in 1973.

‘Through cooperation and goodwill, the Hastings District Council’s infrastructure improvements will be completed and very appropriate replacement trees ’ planted. JOHN POLLARD Havelock North Rotary Club president

Hastings District councillor Kevin Watkins, left, and Havelock North Rotary Club president John Pollard were among a large band of volunteers who took about an hour and a half to plant the new trees on Napier Road.