Plan to chop down magnolias near statue

Two “notable” magnolias that have grown near Sir John Logan Campbell’s statue in Epsom for half a century or more are proposed for the chop, to enhance the view of the colonial Auckland businessman and politician.

Poplars have already been removed from Campbell Cres, which curves around behind the Campbell statue and fountain on Manukau Rd in Epsom.

The Auckland Council has said the upgrading of the Manukau Rd entrance to Cornwall Park will reflect the original design, making it appear more open from the road and restoring the visibility of the fountain beneath the Campbell statue’s feet.

Some med and new plants will be put in. New paths and park furniture will be installed. Replacement trees will be indigenous species which will support native bird life.

The plan is to remove 12 magnolias, of which two are scheduled as notable in the region’s unitary plan. The previous district plan scheduled the trees for their historical, cultural, visual and amenity values.

The park’s trust board has sought resource consent from the Auckland Council to remove the two magnolias. Its application was publicly notified on Monday. The council says if it gets submissions then a hearing was likely in November.

The board’s heritage consultant, Adina Brown, said in a report that the magnolias were planted in the middle and late 20th century.

They were not part of the original landscape plan when the statue and fountain were unveiled in 1906.

The Campbell monument is of “exceptional historic heritage value”, but not the trees.

“The magnolia trees themselves are of little/no historical value because they are not associated with Sir John Logan Campbell or any other notable historical figure.

“They were not part of any of the historical events that have taken place in the park, such as the unveiling of the statue or commemoration of . . . Campbell’s death. They are not known to have a strong public association.”

“The tree removal will significantly improve the visual dominance of the Logan Campbell fountain and statue both within the park and when viewed from surrounding footpaths and roads, as was the original design intent.”

The growth of the trees had “degraded” the landmark status of the monument and their removal would recreate the grand nature of the entrance.

“The original design was intended to be largely free of trees, consisting of a grassed lawn; however, by the 1940s perimeter planting, possibly including the scheduled magnolia trees, appears to have taken place, giving it more of an arboretum character.”

Pohutukawa near the monument and puriri trees in Puriri Drive would be retained, Brown said.

Mark White, the council’s manager of central resource consenting, said the council had no view at this stage on the request to fell the trees.

“A recommendation will be made following a comprehensive review of all the information lodged as part of the application and any submissions following the notification process.”