devonportflagstaff.co.nz
September 26, 2025
Local pop legend revisits swinging 60s... p3
Benefactor reveals personal tie to TGS pool... p5
Interview: New museum chief David Verran... p18-19
Tree-removal consents priced at up to $400,000 Consenting costs of up to $400,000 would be likely in order to remove two sets of problematic trees in Devonport and Belmont, say Auckland Council officials. The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board has requested council remove the pair of trees in Anne St and three on Northboro Rd, but Auckland Council’s regional arbori-
culture and ecological manager, David Stejskal, warned the costs may be substantial. Council planners said resource consents would likely be publicly notified, which could push up costs from an estimated $50,000 in each case to $200,000 apiece due to the need to consult with third parties, Stejskal told a local board workshop.
Arborists had advised against removing the trees in both cases, citing “insufficient reasons” to do so. Stejskal said the case was the first in the area he knew of in which staff had advised against removal but board members had proceeded to request it. To page 7
Hongi and haka at Windsor Reserve
Meet and greet... Takapuna Grammar School deputy head girl Harmony Wilson-Ngata (right) and Matua Gary Pratt at a ‘Haka Up’ event in Devonport last week. More photos, pages 8-9. PHOTO: MONICA SORRENSON