Sustaining Auckland – The Role of Trees

Seminar to mark Environment Day and Arbor Day – 5th June 2010

The Tree Council presents a not to be missed event, 'Sustaining Auckland - The Role of Trees’, to mark Arbor Day and World Environment Day, on Saturday 5th June (see attached flyer).

This seminar covers the key concerns which caused urban tree protection and the planning legislation to hit the headlines last year. Why are trees so beneficial in the built environment? How complex and sustainable is Auckland’s urban forest? Why is the planning legislation now so poor at protecting our valuable treescape? How can developments better incorporate trees?

“We have a great line up of speakers with a wealth of knowledge and experience, covering a wide range of inter-related topics,” says Sigrid Shayer, The Tree Council spokesperson.

“If the aim of the new Auckland Council is to enhance the quality of life for all Aucklanders, then it will need to give greater priority to trees in planning decisions. This seminar will highlight why it is vital that last year’s RMA changes regarding urban tree protection need to be reviewed in order for there to be any credible change in that direction. ”

Speakers:

The Benefits and Values of Trees In The Built Environment - Bryan Gould, Trustee, Notable Trees Trust

Auckland's Remarkable Urban Forest - Mike Wilcox, President, Auckland Botanical Society

Site Planning For Trees - How To Get The Best For A Development - Nick Robinson, landscape architect and author

Urban Tree Protection - Where Do We Go From Here? - Sigrid Shayer, Chair, The Tree Council

The event will be held on Saturday 5th June, between 2pm – 5pm, at Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland.

For further information please contact Sigrid Shayer, Chair, The Tree Council, ph 835 2130 (day); 021 058 2812; 828 3727 (ev); sigrid@pl.net; www.thetreecouncil.org.nz

Editorial Note: Some information about the speakers:

Bryan Gould: Bryan is a senior lecturer with Horttraining New Zealand. His primary role is to facilitate the Telford Diploma in Arboriculture. He is an arborist with extensive experience in managing private and municipal landscapes in New Zealand, Australia and England. Bryan is a trustee with the New Zealand Notable Trees Trust.

Mike Wilcox: Mike is President of the Auckland Botanical Society, member of the Tree Council and International Dendrology Society, and former forestry scientist and consultant. He is keenly interested in Auckland's trees.

Nick Robinson: MA (Landscape Architecture), CMLI, MIHort, Chartered Landscape Architect and Practice Principal. Nick had ten years’ experience of landscape architecture in Britain before moving to New Zealand, including a number of award winning landscapes of industry, new roads, campuses, urban regeneration and parks. Nick started his own NZ practice in 1998. He is currently part-time tutor in Landscape Architecture at University of Auckland CCE and UNITEC. Nick’s range of publications includes the Planting Design Handbook, which is widely used as a definitive text on landscape architecture courses throughout the world.

ENDS

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