Pohutukawa at The Sands apartment complex in Takapuna Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro
A resident of an Auckland apartment block where a contentious pōhutukawa has fallen says he will lead a rates revolt if it is not removed.
An Auckland iwi has told a council hearing debating the removal of a toppled pōhutakawa that it should not be seen as just a tree.
The tree fell in 2022 in the communal area of the Sands Apartments in Takapuna.
But the pōhutakawas is still alive and listed as a notable tree under the council's Unitary Plan.
The apartment's body corporate and residents want the tree gone, but its removal is being opposed by iwi due to its cultural significance.
Ashleigh McDonald from Te Kawerau ā Maki said the mauri - or life force - of her ancestors lived within the trees there.
"So I understand that people are frustrated and I heard a lot of kōrero today.
"But this grove was here before the fans, this grove was here hundreds of years before these apartments," she said.
Resident and former broadcaster Murray Deaker told the hearing into the issue that it had caused division.
He said the alternative if the tree stayed was to stop paying rates, which he would personally lead.
There was precedent for the tree's removal, Deaker said.
Council is expected to hear submissions from residents throughout the day.
Photo: Supplied
Submission documents show the tree itself is still alive, despite having roots exposed, and is infected with myrtle rust.
The body corporate's lawyer, Bal Matheson said the tree had fallen immediately in front of people's homes.
"The residents are seeking permission to remove the fallen tree so they may once again enjoy the limited grass open space in their property, that the grounds can be maintained, and that easy access is returned for all units," Matheson said.
They were happy to agree to reasonable conditions regarding the tree's removal and any replacement planting, he said.
Pohutukawa at The Sands apartment complex in Takapuna Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro
Te Ākitai Waiohua Iwi Authority, Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust, and Te Kawerau Iwi Settlement Trust have opposed the removal of the pōhutakawa because of its cultural significance in relation to Te Uru Tapu, the Scared Grove of Pōhutakawa in Takapuna.
"These rakau are living wahi tapu to ourselves and our whanaunga iwi who relate to this site," documents said.
They were concerned the removal of the tree would undermine the wahi tapu of the sacred grove, saying it has the potential to continue to live and to thrive.
The meeting concluded with board chair Richard Blakey saying they would have further input from the apartment's lawyer later in August.
A decision has not been made on what will happen to the tree.
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