Activists attempting to halt the felling of native trees on an Auckland property have elevated their efforts, occupying a suspended platform attached to one of the trees.
The contentious site along Canal Road in Avondale has attracted protestors since July, opposed to plans to remove 46 fully grown natives.
After 49 days occupying the site, their protests were escalated yesterday after Worksafe allowed contractors to resume efforts to cull the remaining 20 trees.
Arborist Zane Wedding, who has taken up residence on the platform hanging from a Puriri tree, says the removal of native flora has reached its "tipping point".
"If we don't take action there won’t be any left in the city."
Two of the protestors were arrested for obstruction, but a third activist remained at the base of one of the trees.
Green Party candidate Steve Abel spoke with Breakfast about the value of the trees growing on Canal Road. (Source: Other)
According to Mr Wedding, more than a third of Auckland's trees have been removed since the Government removed its general tree protection order.
The Resource Management Act was modified in 2012 so that blanket protections of trees in urban areas no longer apply.
That means that any tree on private property can be removed legally, regardless of its age or size.
Protestor Luke Wijohn, who last year led Auckland's School Strike for Climate Change, is also occupying a large totara along the property.
The pair say they intend to remain on the property as long as possible, calling on the council to purchase the land to be converted into a public reserve.
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