Poplar tree felling

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

This tree will be missed. ? On Sunday morning (11 August), a 30-year old Poplar tree was found chopped down at the Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River entrance at Whakatikei in Upper Hutt. It was in perfect health, but obviously someone did not wish it well. Fortunately, no one was hurt when the tree fell across the road.
Felling trees (dead or alive) on river reserve is a prohibited activity, and also poses significant safety risks to other river users.
This person may have wrongly assumed the tree was dead as it had no leaves, therefore could be cut down for firewood. Poplars and willows are deciduous species with leaves present form spring to autumn.

We encourage communities to enjoy a wide range of pursuits at our rivers - while being mindful of others and respecting the environment.