Should they stay or should they go?

The fate of a group of palm trees in Waiwerais uncertain as the owners consider their options.

The Phoenix palms are on a site owned by Urban Partners at 41-53 Waiwera Road.

The company’s asset manager, Ross Porter, says recently the Waiwera Property Owners and Residents Association asked them to look at various issues relating to the property, including the trees.

“Residents consider the palms harbour pests, including pigeons and rodents,” Porter says. 

He says the company arranged quotes from contractors to remove the palms.

However, following the interest from a number of residents who contacted Hibiscus Matters saying that the palms are very old, Urban Partners is seeking more information before making any decisions about the trees. Locals who contacted the paper suggested pest control would be their preferred option rather than losing the trees, which the residents believe are a very long standing feature of their community.

Palm points • Phoenix palms are considered a pest plant in Auckland, with cultivation, distribution, and sale prohibited. The trees compete with native plants and facilitate invasive epiphytes and birds. Sharp spines on the leaves can cause severe injury. • A number of very old Phoenix palms are protected on Auckland Council’s Notable Tree schedule, although these ones in Waiwera are not.