Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) tree policy is up for review just under a year since it was first approved. 

Adopted in August last year, the policy specifies that any tree removed in the district on public land must be replaced with two trees.

It also prevents the removal of trees on public land to minimise obstruction of views or commercial or advertising signage, or to reduce leaf, fruit litter, other debris, or shading, among others.  

“Council’s parks and reserves team is reviewing how the policy has been implemented and functioned since it was adopted,” a QLDC spokesperson said. 

“This will be on the basis of its aims, namely to help manage trees to meet community aspirations, service requests, and provide clarity and consistency for any decisions regarding trees.”

In May residents of Panorama Court on Lakeside Drive had their request for the removal of six to eight kowhai - which they were concerned would eventually block their view - denied under the new policy.

Read more: Residents lose bid to have trees removed

Panorama Court body corporate member Richard Laverty told the board the council’s reliance on the new tree policy was inappropriate.

He also blamed the council for “misleading consultation” which meant the body corporate did not submit against the planting plan.

Last month the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) approved the removal of 70 mature trees at the golf course to make way for two new reservoirs for the club. As required by the new policy, the club must replant twice as many trees, and the WUCCB added a condition that they be planted within one year.

Read more: ‘Community board reluctantly approves removal of 70 trees’

The QLDC spokesperson told the Wānaka App the review was taking place because when the policy was adopted, councillors asked for one to be completed within 12 months.

“Any updates will be collated into a new draft policy which the parks and reserves team plan to  share with the Community & Services Committee at the end of September,” the spokesperson said.

“Following this, the draft policy will be shared for community feedback before being presented to councillors as before.”

PHOTO: Wānaka App