What is a notable tree?
A notable tree is a tree or group of trees that a community or nation regards as being of special importance because they:
- commemorate important events in a nation’s history
- are an exceptional or unique example of a species
- are critical to the survival of other animal and plant species
- are of such age, stature, character and visibility that they are regarded as the best in the district.
A notable tree has greater legal protection, meaning it:
- can't be cut down or removed without us approving a resource consent
- may be eligible for grants and other incentives.
In Auckland, notable trees are listed in the notable tree schedule in the:
- Auckland Unitary Plan
- Auckland Council District Plan — Hauraki Gulf Islands (HGI) section.
Check if a tree is notable
09 301 0101
enquiry@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Auckland Unitary Plan schedule 10: notable trees schedule (PDF 3MB)
Auckland Council District Plan - Hauraki Gulf Islands (HGI) section schedule of trees (PDF 7.2MB)
Adding a tree to the notable tree schedule
We identify potentially significant trees to include in the notable tree schedule through our own work.
A person or organisation can also nominate a tree to be evaluated.
We evaluate nominations to determine whether they meet the threshold of significance, as outlined in the guidelines for evaluating notable tree nominations.
Those that meet the threshold must go through a full plan change process under the Resource Management Act, which includes public submissions and a hearing, before they can be added to the schedule.
We are not currently initiating any plan changes to include new trees in the notable tree schedule.
We regularly review nominations received for the notable trees schedule so that trees nominated can be assessed for inclusion in future plan changes.
We are committed to:
- maintaining the existing schedule
- protecting other trees found worthy of being included in Schedule 10 of the Auckland Unitary Plan.
Guidelines for evaluating notable tree nominations
To find out the criteria for evaluating the importance of trees and their level of significance, see the Guidelines for nominating a notable tree for evaluation document.
You could ask your local board, botanical society or another community group to help you with the nomination, or to make it on your behalf.
