Tree Obituaries

KARAKA, Kingi: Kingi’s whakapapa stretches back 80,000,000 years to when Zealandia broke away from Gondwanaland and drifted across the Pacific generating its own unique flora to remain untouched by mammalian species for millions of years. The home of a myriad of flightless and flying birds, the fruit and seeds of karaka (alias Corynocarpus laevigatus) have provided sustenance and strength, now sadly destroyed to make way for a carpark in the new Mornington Shopping Centre. Condolences can be left with any Dunedin City Council Planning Officer who will listen or on the stopthechop.co.nz website.

OLIVE, Charles Jr (Charlie) Alexandra: It is with great sadness we announce the loss of Charlie Olive, father of Stone and beloved husband of Pip. Charlie was taken brutally yet quietly in the middle of the night (battery-powered implements are suspected) thus lost in his prime at 120 years. He was a good stick, hardy and stable, always giving and always there. His loss will come as a shock to the community but he will be remembered by the single car park that has been created. As the sun bakes down and there is no shade to shelter under, we will remember him. Messages to Pip and Stone can be sent to No.10 Barren Ave, Newtown.wherever they can be crowbarred in.

HARAKEKE, Heather: Her beautiful flaxen fronds were once sought after by those seeking to make the finest linen. Lately forgotten and neglected, she stood on the estuary shore for hundreds of years until her protective roots were brutally ripped up to make way for a marina in the banks of a Coromandel stream. May her legacy be the careful tending of her leaves to make a kete basket that will keep her soul

alive. May her memory live on.

QUERCUS, Alex (née ilex): Alex was solid pillar of the Warkworth community (19562007). Passionate about the environment, he joined forces with his neighbours Darcy Rimu and Laurel Pukatea to remove tonnes of particulate matter from the adjacent state highway. Over his lifetime, he was forced to get into shape by local developments impacting his deep rooted footing in the Warkworth community. Due to an anticipated subsequent illness, Alex underwent extensive surgery, becoming too weak to continue with his environmental work. Alex unfortunately passed away in a frail state, alone, having outlived both Darcy and Laurel while battling the elements for the last decade. His body will be left on display for an indefinite period for anybody to visit and pay their respects.

The OAK family, Red, Scarlet and their many brothers, sisters, aunties and uncles: We regret to announce the loss of the entire Oak family of Turangi. Prominent members of the township since the sixties, the Oaks were well known for their tireless voluntary work in the local community and their unswerving commitment to town beautification. The Oaks were carried off after a short illness and are survived by several kilometres of new kerb and channel. Cremations will be held from May to October (weather dependant).

BEECH,

Lost but not forgotten, Copper Beech (82 years) of Pleasant Way, Considerate was taken from us in a brutally quick and devastating manner on Monday morning. Copper gave so much; she was thoughtful and considerate to the very end. Friends and residents of Considerate are planning to hold ceremony of remembrance to celebrate Copper’s life at Dead End Street and request that donations be made to the Ambulance At The Bottom Of The Cliff charity.

Copper:

KAURI, Tane: Deeply loved and respected father of the Forest family, we are sad to announce the loss of Tane Kauri. You provided calmness and life to so many but in the end you gave way to the few. Your bountiful gifts have gone and your children are scattered. The Forest family ask you to gather in remembrance on the very spot where their great father Tane last stood; please coordinate your arrival times as the spa pool can only accommodate three people at a time.

PURIRI, George:

After a courageous battle, George Puriri was taken from us at Canal Road last Tuesday. While George saw more than his fair share of evil, he spoke no evil and did no evil - he was a gentle giant whose presence and life radiated beyond (property) boundaries. Lost but not forgotten, George has become the legend that he never needed to be. His final farewell will be followed by Court appearances and public expressions of grief - all are welcome to attend. Contributions to cover legal costs will be gratefully accepted.

OAK, Scarlet: Peacefully with family at her side, Scarlet Oak has passed. Scarlet was everything to everybody, a super-gran and loving mother. Her sons (Red and Pin) ask you to join them in celebrating the life and times of Scarlet and scatter woodchips on her grave. Scarlet was a grand old lady and we loved her so. Best that we remember the good times but don’t forget that she did drop leaves for two weeks ever year so she had to go.

NORFOLK, Peter Pine: This towering cornerstone of the Snells Beach, Auckland community was sadly cut down in his prime at a mere 140 years old. Known for miles around as a tower of strength, his loss is immeasurable to the people of Snells Beach and all those who navigated a safe nautical passage thanks to his presence.

AMBER, Li Quid: After losing her foot to debilitating trench foot in the early 21st century turf wars, Amber (1995-2019 – Amenity Purveyor, Pukekohe, Auckland) unfortunately succumbed to the recent scourge of concrete cancer thus losing her connection with her local community. Towards the end, while Amber was struggling to breathe, she bravely put on one final performance sharing her vibrant rainbow colours at the Pukekohe Autumn Show. Amber will be sorely missed by the local avian society which she helped support every day. Her remains will be partly cremated at various locations in the Pukekohe area, while her ashes of her recent display of colour will be returned to earth in Roseville Park in a private ceremony held by Council contractors.

FIR, Douglas: We mourn the loss of Douglas Fir (40m and [was] going strong). Douglas was a big man, standing head and shoulders above those around him. In a world where bigger is better, it was the little people that tore you down and broke you apart. Your size may have been your downfall, however we are not afraid. Our world is smaller without you but with you our hearts did soar, you elevated us and we could see. From your resting place in the heavens, look down on the little people and forgive them, for they do not know what they have done. Together we live in hope for a vision restored.

REDWOOD, Dawn: In remembrance of Dawn Redwood (161 years old, Tauranga) whose loss occurs at about this time. It is hard to believe that you were taken from us nay five years ago. It seems like only yesterday that we stood in the park laughing - now there is no park and the laughing has stopped. For those that remember Dawn, there will be a gathering in her honour at the new makeshift Mall on Soulless Drive, Tauranga.

RACARPA, Mac (Big Mac): Despite a prolonged battle for survival, the widely beloved Big Mac from Avondale, Auckland, was tragically taken from us too soon. He spent all of his 120 years serving the Avondale community and will be greatly missed by the thousands of people passing the very spot where he stood sentinel every single day of his long and varied life. His whanau were by his side until the end and the AROHA with which they surrounded him will never be forgotten.

KOWHAI, Joy: Peacefully, at home last Sunday, the light that Joy shone was extinguished. Joy Kowhai’s passing has made the world a darker place. We will miss your golden glow and the birds that you so loved have gone away. In lieu of real flowers, the Kowhai family has asked for donations of sugar water for the birds (Joy so loved the birds) to be hung on fences and garage doors. Please set them above cat-pouncing height. When you see the birds again, think of her and remember what was.

MOURNING THE LOSS of the oldest residents of CANAL ROAD, AVONDALE, AUCKLAND. Cut down in their prime, this special collection of individuals were the victims of a long planned removal at their retirement home. The community is invited to leave memorial wreaths at the site of the tragedy. Gone but never, ever forgotten.

MONKEY, Abu: Unexpectedly on Friday, Abu Monkey was taken from us. Abu was a puzzle to many and he could be prickly, but his presence was always unmistakable. There was something instantly recognisable about Abu, we loved him and he made us complete. A celebration of Abu’s life will be held at the Crematorium Chapel, next to the Up Inn on Smoke Street. As you sit by the fire, be warmed by the thought that loving memories will never die.

LAUREL, Nobel: Loved second child of Bay and Betty Laurel. Nobel’s life was cut short and we are left in tatters as the result of good intentions but poor planning; they said it was an accident and unintended; they said that they didn’t realise underground services went underground; “you can’t see them” they said, “they were underground”. Like the roots of the tree, Nobel’s reach was far but no match for trenching on three sides. No meal will ever be the same without you. You were our Nobel Laurel and now you are no more. A book of condolences shall be available at the Council Chambers somewhere between Planning Services, Building Control, Roading and Reticulated Water Services. Please contact Reception and allow sufficient time for document location.

RANDA, Jac (Jaca): Sadly Jac was cut down in his prime (1985 – 2021). On Valley Road, Mt Eden, Auckland, he will be remembered as a towering figure, full of personality. Fondly known as Jaca, he will be particularly remembered for his flamboyant character, putting on a show every summer for the locals. He leaves a massive gap in the community which won’t be filled for many years to come. In lieu of fake, imported flowers, the Jaca Randa family request that memorial trees be planted wherever they can be crowbarred in.

PURIRI, Penny: Of Inexplicitly and callously cut down in the prime of her life on Friday 16th July 2021 in Greymouth, aged 126 years. Beloved member of the Puriri ‘Grove’ and admired great grandmother to literally “thousands of wee saplings. People use to say that birds sang her blessings. Messages about the loss of Penny may be left at stopthechop.co.nz. Any enquiries, please call 0800weneedtreeprotection. Due to the brutal nature of her passing, no open casket ceremony can be held.

CANAL, Arboretum:

The Burgess family (1925-2021, Avondale, Auckland) put down their roots at No.52-58 Canal Road for almost 100 years ago. The family was unique, residing across the three properties creating a rich and diverse ‘eco-community’. Much loved by the community, providing a valuable natural and educational resource for many locals. Tragically, for spurious reasons, there seems to have been a vendetta, culminating in the (possible) poisoning of the entire family and their offspring. Local authorities have, in our view, been almost callous in their disregard of the situation, having little respect for the invaluable role the family played in Avondale area. There have been no arrests, although in a bizarre twist, the only surviving member has been recently charged. Rumour has it that a new housing project is planned and this signals the end of an era for Maire, Totara and their progeny.

PYRUS, William Pear: Lost but not forgotten, loving father to Nashi and faithful husband to Nelis. William, your magnificent boughs and gentle scent is forever etched into our minds; even those that did not know you, mourn your loss. A simple man with a hard exterior and a heart of gold, summer will not be the same without you. Service to be held at Orchard Way, Bridge To Possibly Nowhere, (somewhere near) Mangapurua.

NIKAU, Wiremu:

Announcing the tragic loss of Wiremu, taken suddenly by infill housing leaving behind his descendants on the West Cost. Your distinctive style and non-classical looks were always key; harmless and elegant, you gave us more than we gave to you. There is only emptiness where you once stood. A give-a-little page will be established to assist those you have left behind, those that need you now more than ever - with love, the Ponga sisters.