Trees can make a valuable contribution to the amenity of the Kaipara District. For example, they can provide visual relief in residential areas (the built environment) or add sense of character or place to areas of open space. In some cases, the amenity values of areas can be related to the presence of individual specimen trees or small groups of trees. These trees can also have historic, scenic or scientific significance. Concerns have been expressed about the possible loss of such Notable Trees particularly from settlements, such as Dargaville, where people may not be aware of their significance to the wider community. One Notable Tree within the District is subject to a Heritage Order. It applies to the Morton Bay Fig tree at Pahi (See Appendix 19.1).

In considering the management of Notable Trees, Council has considered the value of such trees alongside the dominantly rural character of the District and the problems that can be created by unmanaged, overgrown or diseased individual trees. A balanced approach to tree protection has been taken. The District Plan does not provide general tree protection rules and the protection of Notable Trees is provided with the agreement of the landowners concerned. In addition, it is noted that the District Plan does contain vegetation clearance rules within each Zone Chapter, which offer protection to groups of trees/vegetation though this is largely for protection of ecological and landscape values.

This Chapter of the District Plan identifies trees which are Notable and worthy of protection. These trees are shown on the District Plan Maps and scheduled in Appendix 19.1. In determining whether trees are worthy of identification and protection as scheduled trees, they are evaluated against the criteria contained in Appendix 19.2. This criteria for assessing trees is based on “A Standard Tree Evaluation Method” (STEM), Ron Flook, 1996. This publication has been widely accepted as the preferred tree assessment method, and has been adopted by New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, and the NZ Arboricultural Association.

This Chapter contains Rules, Performance Standards and Assessment Criteria relating specifically to Notable Trees. These only apply if you have a scheduled tree on your property, which will be shown on Map Series 2 – Part E of the District Plan Maps. In any instance where the rules in this Chapter overlap (or duplicate) with a rule in the Zone Chapters, the rules in this Chapter will take precedence.

You may also want to use this Chapter if are proposing to protect a tree (e.g. if you are preparing a major resource consent or you are seeking a bonus lot for a subdivision). The Outcomes sought for Notable Trees will also be achieved through land use and subdivision rules and performance standards in the Zone Chapters.

Before you use this Chapter of the District Plan, check: