October 2020 update 1
Council staff and the Waitematā Local Board have now engaged an external consultant to carry out an independent assessment of the pine tree stand in Western Springs Forest.
This assessment will provide additional information for the local board to consider when they make a decision over the next couple of months about whether to proceed with removing the full stand of pine trees as per the existing resource consent, or consider an alternative option to manage the trees. Given the risk of falling pine trees or tree branches, the forest remains closed to the public including when contractors are present.
The consultant’s independent report will be published on the council’s website when it is available.
The local board intends to take a decision on whether to proceed with the consented works on the pine trees at a business meeting on Tuesday 3 November 2020.
July 2020 update (amended October 2020)
There have been delays to the start of this project due to interruptions caused by the COVID-19 lockdown and the local board is yet to make a decision on whether or not to proceed with the consented works to remove the pine trees.
As the council has advised that some of the pine trees pose a health and safety risk, we have notified the residents and businesses most at risk.
By the end of July 2020, fencing will also be extended to prevent public access to the pine tree fall zone in Western Springs Lakeside Te Wai Ōrea.
March 2020 update (amended October 2020)
The Waitemata Local Board has voted to delay taking a decision on whether or not to proceed with the resource consent to remove the stand of pine trees.
The area will remain closed due to health and safety reasons, while the local board considers the future of the pine trees.
Further information
You can contact the project administrator for more details.
027 267 8818
If you wish to receive regular updates about the removal of the pine trees, or for more information, email
westernsprings@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.