PRESS RELEASE
ISSUED BY AFFORDABLE AUCKLAND
PROPERTY RIGHTS

Kauri’s Fate Up to Owner

Affordable Auckland Leader Stephen Berry has come out in support of the property owners embroiled in a dispute over the felling of a Kauri tree on their property today. “This is a simple matter of property rights. The land owners should be the sole decision makers over whether to chop this tree down. It is nobody else’s business.”

“Protestors illegally occupying the land are very free to offer opinions on other people’s property. It’s easy when you do not have to live with the economic ramifications of that opinion. I have a challenge for them. Instead of lobbying politicians to get involved, why don’t they fundraise amongst their supporters, make an offer for the property and then let it sit empty while paying the Council rates.”

Mr. Berry rejects arguments from those trying to save the tree that there should have been community consultation first. “Property owners should not have to negotiate with anyone if their actions on their own property do not violate the property rights of their neighbours. The tree is not collectively owned therefore community opinion is irrelevant.”

“Many of the people demanding government action to protect this tree are the same people decrying the unaffordability of housing in Auckland. How can they not see that it is the very same government regulation they advocate that is forcing up the costs of building? Their deliberate trespass on the tree owner’s property is also resulting in further cost and delay for the developer.”

“The police should be taking action to ensure the protestors voices are heard off the property so the owner can get on with building their house.”

Stephen Berry was the Affordable Auckland candidate for Mayor in 2013.

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