Assurances that law changes will not affect Tauranga's protected trees may be premature.
While the changes to the Resource Management Act and clause 52 may not impact on Tauranga's old trees, there are changes being considered for the district plan that may thin them out.
Big old trees on public and private land are on a register of significant trees, protecting them from changes to the RMA.
But the council is looking at a proposal to change the number of protected trees on its list, culling more than 1000 formerly protected trees on private property.



'The proposal is to change the numbers of what's protected,” says Tauranga City Council arborist Richard Conning.
'It is probably to improve the quality of the trees on the list. There's a feeling that some of the trees are not as interesting or as good a quality.”
A reduction in number of protected trees would mean those that retain council protection will be of a much higher standard and much more important to the city depending on their botanical value and their amenity and visual value, says Richard.
'Everybody that has a protected tree on their property has had a letter, as a way to get some feedback on the proposal before the proposed plan change is publicly notified later this month,” says Richard.
Every tree that is protected will remain protected until at least the end of the district plan review.
The trees under review include about 1100 in Tauranga and another 120 – mostly Norfolk pines, in the Mount and Papamoa area.
Tauranga City Council has a vegetation and tree management policy that states these goals:
To maintain and enhance the visual amenity, character and natural features of the city and to provide a sense of scale to complement built form through vegetation and planting.
To recognise the importance of high quality vegetation that contributes towards the sustainable development of our environment.
To create and enhance wildlife habitats and ecological values that contribute to the bio-diversity of the city's environment.
To support juvenile trees to reach maturity and their growth potential and to protect the city's mature tree asset.
To reflect and promote awareness of current and future environmental qualities, issues and benefits.
To promote understanding and appreciation of Tauranga's vegetation and to ensure public involvement in the planning and design of the city's vegetation.