A large number of trees in the Masterton CBD could soon be axed as part of a broader upgrade of the town centre, the council says.
By Sue Teodoro of Local Democracy Reporting
No specific further consultation with the public was planned before the trees were felled in 2026.
“It’s likely that many trees in the CBD will be removed as part of the works,” the Masterton concil spokesperson said.
The infrastructure upgrade includes the replacement of the water main, reconstruction of footpaths, and resurfacing of the road between Jackson and Park Streets.
The spokesperson said the council would work with Green by Nature, a landscape services business, to ensure the felled trees were replaced with species that were more appropriate for the location.
“Tree roots can cause major problems for footpaths, road surfaces, and underground pipes – we'll be making sure the space remains green and shady with less damage to public infrastructure,” they said
“The project has already been consulted on as part of the long-term plan, there won’t be further public consultation about the operational side of the work which is expected to begin in March.”
Local Democracy Reporting understands most of the trees on Queen St itself would be felled, with those on adjacent streets remaining largely in place.
Reaction from local retailers was mixed, with some saying the town centre would become less attractive. Others said safety was important, with pedestrians having tripped over uneven sections of pavement caused by growing tree roots.
Eve Buchanan, chairperson of Tupu Ana Business Masterton, said the council’s infrastructure upgrade programme was necessary.
“The trees are becoming a hindrance. Leaves are blocking drains and the roots are lifting pavements. When trees get into pipes its a disaster,” she said.
“No one is happy to see trees be cut down, but the council’s short term plan is to put more green space back into central Masterton, and everyone I talk to supports this.
“Green space in the centre of town is very valuable, and will drive people back into the town centre. The current trees are 'wrong tree, wrong place' and cause a lot of problems.
“The plan of 'right tree, right place' is a good one.”
A Queen St retailer, who preferred not to be named, said some of the town’s original character had been lost and there should be consultation on the trees.
“The greenery is anchoring,” they said.
“It needs more investigation before they rip them out.
“If they consulted first, I don’t think those trees would be coming down.”
The retailer said trees retained in Greytown and Martinborough had enhanced the towns’ character.
Ian Price, a Masterton resident for 22 years, said the trees were attractive.
“I like the trees. Can you imagine the street without them? I’m a keen gardener and I would be sorry to see them go. But I can understand the problem.
“If the roots are affecting the pipes, they have no choice really.
“I would like to know what they are going to do to replace them.”
Mark Rogers is the co-owner of Bear Flag Books, near some of the affected trees.
“If they need to come out because of work on the pipes, I understand that,” he said. “I’d like to think they will be replaced with something environmentally attractive.
“If the trees have to go for good reason its unfortunate and I understand it. If they are just being got rid of because its a convenient excuse to get rid of trees, I wouldn’t be very happy about that.”
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
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