1769 days ago

Auckland trees an 'eyesore' after being cut in deep V shapes to avoid power lines

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Good morning Auckland neighbours,

Auckland residents are up in arms after a row of trees was turned into an “eyesore” in a bid to protect some power lines.

Residents of Alford St, in the central Auckland suburb of Waterview, woke up last week to find the trees on their berms cut into deep V shapes.

John Jones, who lives opposite one of the trees, said they were “quite an eyesore”.

Auckland Council’s regional arborists and ecological manager David Stejskal said the trees were pruned by contractors Treescape as part of routine maintenance of trees growing under power lines.

The overzealous pruning was brought to the council’s attention by a local board member.

Officials have since visited the site and spoken to the contractor about the unacceptable nature of the pruning, Stejskal said.

“The power lines clearance programme needs to strike a balance between the regulatory clearance required to protect power lines and maintaining the viability of the tree,” he said.

Our contractors agree to clear trees to regulatory and contract specifications and best practice guidelines which in this case were not carried out.

“We are currently speaking to Treescape about what needs to be done to remedy the situation.”

Treescape confirmed it is working with the council to remedy the situation.

“We understand the concerns of the residents, and we’re working together to resolve the issue,” a spokesperson said.

“That’s all we can say at this stage.”

What do you think of the way the trees have been cut?

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

Image
Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.4% Complete
  • 20.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    20.9% Complete
  • 68.7% Nah - not for me
    68.7% Complete
393 votes
15 hours ago

WOOLWORTHS REWARDS CARD

Estelle from Mount Eden

To the lovely man who kindly let me use his Woolworths rewards card - I was buying brandy snaps etc can you please message me, thank you very much.
You made a comment you'll be asked why you are buying brandy snaps.
Estelle

11 days ago

Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.

We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.

Image
🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
  • 85.1% Same!
    85.1% Complete
  • 14.9% Would have liked to try something different
    14.9% Complete
563 votes