Joint media advisory - Friends of the Gardens and QLDC

Date:

May 24, 2016

Queenstown Lakes District Council has apologised for a misunderstanding which resulted in the felling of a 60 year old Oak tree in the Queenstown Gardens last week, without the prior acceptance of the Friends of the Wakatipu Gardens and Reserves .

The Oak, which was located near the footbridge leading from Marine Parade to the gardens, was cut down with the intention of allowing young Beech trees that had been in its shadow to flourish. Discussions over the Oak had taken place between QLDC staff and Friends of the Gardens, who had asked that the tree be retained.

As a result, the Council and Friends will urgently review the protocols around communication between the two organisations and the process for consulting on the management of trees.

Peter Hansby, the Council's General Manager Property and Infrastructure, agreed that a review was required, and that measures be put in place to ensure compliance by staff and contractors. He apologised to the Friends of the Wakatipu Gardens and Reserves and acknowledged the important role that the Friends played in tending these community assets.

"We value our working relationship with the Friends, who are dedicated to maintaining Queenstown Gardens and other reserves. Many of their members have taken a lifelong interest in the trees and we would never deliberately act to cause distress to them or the community which they also represent."

Dave Finlin, the arborist for the Friends said that the lost tree was about 14 metres tall. He estimated that it would have been worth $50,000 to $70,000 "even were you able to replace it."

"But, of course, the real tragedy is that it was a beautiful 60 year old specimen tree and also evoked the memory of the crucial Gardens preservation work by the late Margaret Templeton and the late Jean Malpas. Without this often very courageous work we would not have the public treasure we have now".

The Friends have suggested that some of the timber from the Oak tree should be made into a trophy for a new conservation prize, to be jointly awarded by the Friends and QLDC. It would recognise reserves conservation work by a member of the community, will be known as the "Malpas/Templeton Prize" and be awarded for the first time next year as part of the Gardens' 150th Anniversary celebrations. QLDC will consider support for the prize in the Annual Plan process, currently underway.

Chairperson of the Friends, Jay Cassells said: "This is a good time to remind everyone in the district that we welcome all support for the Friends of the Wakatipu Gardens and Reserves. Membership is growing as people come to appreciate the Gardens and reserves more and more but there is plenty to do and everyone is busy.

What is more, next year is the 150th Anniversary of the establishment of the Gardens so a decent party is in order and not least to celebrate that remarkable foresight and all those who have looked after the Gardens since that time."

Mr Hansby said QLDC welcomed the assistance of our community in looking after the many and diverse parks and reserves across the district.
ENDS

For further comment, please contact Peter Hansby 034410499