Replanting the One Tree Hill Summit
Auckland City has finalised a plan to replant the tree on top of One Tree Hill, or None Tree Hill as it has been known since the Monterey pine was chopped down in October last year.
The plan recommends planting pohutukawa seedlings this season, followed in successive seasons by totara, as a secondary species.
A process of natural selection
The tree that makes the best go of growing in the rough conditions on top of the hill would win the right to be Auckland's newest landmark.
Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee, Bill Christian, says the process of natural selection will ensure the sustainability of the new tree at the summit.
"In finalising this proposal, we took into account the views of local iwi, arborists, heritage experts, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, the Cornwall Park Trust Board, and the several hundred people who wrote to the Mayor and myself," Councillor Christian said.
Under the proposal, the trees would be surrounded by a protective shelter-belt of mixed native shrubs in order to enhance the chances of their survival.
Some of the pohutukawa seedlings would be those which self-seeded in the base of the pine and were saved when it was felled. Their survival in such inhospitable conditions is regarded by some as a tohu, or sign from nature that they should be included in the new planting.
Also to be planted will be pohutukawa seedlings sourced from high quality parent stock from the local area. These seedlings have a high chance of survival in the harsh conditions, and have good long-term growth and establishment prospects.
Totara cuttings, taken from nearby trees, are not sufficiently advanced for planting this year, and will be planted once the shelter of mixed native shrubs is established.
Auckland City is keen to replant the summit late this winter or early next spring. In anticipation, Council arborists have sourced plant stock of both pohutukawa and totara from the immediate maunga (hill) and the surrounding area. This stock has been selected for its quality and cultural appropriateness. However, because the pine had to be felled earlier than had been originally anticipated, the seedlings and cuttings are not mature enough to endure planting at the site.
The proposal will be considered by the Parks and Recreation Committee on February 23, before being ratified by full council at its March meeting. Once approved, it will form the basis of a resource consent which will be publicly notified, allowing those interested to make submissions. A final decision will be made by independent planning commissioners.
For further information contact: Cr Bill Christian, Chairman, Parks and Recreation Committee. Tel: 527 8648 or 025 814 721.
