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Auckland Council’s plan to plant 21 deciduous trees on Edward Avenue in Ōrewa has sparked concern among residents, who say the trees are unsuitable for the narrow berm and will cause long-term problems.
The proposed trees, 16 Gleditsia ‘Limelight’ and five Liquidambar ‘Worplesdon’, would grow up to 15 metres high and drop large leaves in autumn. Resident representative Linda Mellor says they are worried this will cause blocked drains and shade their homes in summer, and as many of the occupants were elderly, they will be unable to manage the ongoing maintenance with leaf litter or clear gutters.
“We’re not being listened to,” she says. “There was no consultation before this decision was first made.”
According to the Hibiscus and Bays Urban Ngahere Action Plan 2021, native species such as puka were originally recommended for Edward Avenue, and Linda says the plan contradicts the council’s own Urban Ngahere Strategy principles, including “right tree in the right place,” “preference for native species,” and a commitment to engage with the community.
A group of 21 residents met with council representatives on June 5 to raise their concerns and were told the matter would be reconsidered. However, the planting plan remains unchanged.
Council Urban Forest Manager David Stejskal says Edward Avenue currently has no formal street tree planting and sits within a priority area identified in Auckland Council’s Urban Ngahere Strategy as having low canopy cover. The proposed planting supports the goals of the strategy, which aims to increase the urban canopy cover in areas that will benefit most from shade, amenity, and improved air quality, he says.
Gleditsias were selected for their light canopy, low maintenance requirements, and suitability for narrow berms, while the Liquidambar would provide seasonal colour without significantly reducing winter sun to nearby homes.
“The Puka was not selected for this site due to its poor performance in exposed street environments, high leaf drop, and dense canopy, which could reduce solar access, one of the concerns raised by residents,” he says.
Stejskal says council staff met with residents on-site to listen to feedback and concerns.
“Following this engagement, the proposed planting was reviewed against site conditions, long-term canopy goals, and species performance. The selected planting remains the best fit for the location. We’ve also received positive feedback from two residents adjacent to the proposed Liquidambar planting who have expressed support and are looking forward to the trees being established.”
However, Linda says they are calling for the planting to be delayed until a solution is reached that suits all the residents and is urging the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board to intervene.
