September 28, 2020
Tree sanctuary names to shame council
A group attempting to stop the removal of trees from a development site at Avondale has named the remaining stand in an attempt to raise the pressure on Auckland Council to buy and protect the land.
A sign was erected at the entrance to the Canal Rd property on Saturday declaring it the Burgess, Raymond, Lee Community Ngahere.
Arborist Zane Wedding, who is camped in one of the trees, says Walter Burgess planted the trees in the 1920s, the Raymond family has looked after then since the 1960s until they agreed to sell the cleared land to a developer, and for the trees, and William Lee is the Avondale resident who started the blockade of the land 11 weeks ago.
He says the importance of the trees was highlighted by a rongoā group which came for the naming ceremony.
"On this land there's such an incredible array of native trees that hold so much knowledge for our people. This would be a perfect area for an education centre where we are able to teach our people about the heritage and history associated with trees like this and our people. The Māori tautoko around this has just been amazing," Mr Wedding says.
The group will hold a rally and hīkoi to Auckland Council on Thursday, gathering at Albert Park from 11:00am
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