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One of the people arrested trying to protect a stand of rate native trees in Avondale is asking why police stood by while contractors cut down the trees in a way that endangered the lives of protesters.
Ten people from the Mana Rākau – Save Canal Road native trees group appeared in Auckland District Court today charged with wilful trespass.
Arborist Zane Wedding says his arm and hand were broken by security guards as he tried to stop the felling of trees on Auckland Council’s protected list.
"It was an incredibly physical altercation. One of the big things that happens is when professionals won't take on a job because of the ethical responsibilities they have, such as the arborculture companies and the security companies, things like this happen. Hannah, one of the kaitiaki in the trees, they cut the tree with her in it," Wedding says.
Zane Wedding says Mana Rākau’s anger is not with the contractors but with Auckland Council and the Government for failing to restore the tree protection measures removed by the previous National Government.
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