Auckland City Council Says Don't Plant Trees!
Wednesday 8 Oct 2003 Gerry Eckhoff Press Releases -- Rural -- ACT Rural Website
ACT New Zealand Rural Affairs Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff today said that the Auckland City Council's ludicrous decision to
fine a ratepayer $2,500 for cutting down a tree on their property has sent a crystal clear message to Aucklanders -
don't plant trees.
"Its decision to prosecute a property owner for cutting down a privately-owned tree sends a clear signal - don't plant
trees that will grow into lovely specimens because we, the Auckland City Council, won't let you cut them down when they
become a danger or a nuisance," Mr Eckhoff said.
"In future, developers and councils will not have to worry about trees being cut down, as sensible landowners will
lower them before they can be enjoyed by the wider public.
"A $2,500 fine for an introduced species may soon be replaced by a $200,000 fine for a native tree, as native trees
seem to have more right to exist in New Zealand.
"The Auckland City Council's nonsensical attitude is summed up by its determination to increase the fine according to
any financial benefit the landowner might derive from cutting down the tree.
"What's next for tree-owners? Fines imposed by height, colour, species and ethic origins of the trees felled? What if
the wind blows a tree over? Finding God is difficult, but collection may still be possible from one of his relatives at
the Auckland City Council's Planning Department," Mr Eckhoff said.
ENDS
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at
act@parliament.govt.nz.