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We gathered community feedback on the replacement of 11 unsafe or noxious trees at Victoria Square in Westport. You could vote for your top three favorite tree species out of nine options (feijoa, mandarin, pear, plum, rimu, kauri, kahikatea, mataī and pūriri).
An arborist's assessment has indicated that four trees at the square have a degenerative crown, weak root plates, damage to the trunk, or dieback of the crown. These conditions are causing the trees to die slowly, making them increasingly unsafe for the public.
Two trees need to be removed due to broken branches, roots damaging structures in the surrounding area, or the tree negatively impacting neighbouring trees or power poles. Four fan palms near the Remembrance Garden and Peel Street are classified as noxious plants and must be removed.
Taking these trees down is a safety measure to ensure the community can enjoy Victoria Square without any concerns.
Gathering feedback from users of the square about which trees we could plant was a great opportunity for the community to have input into the future look and feel of this green space.
The survey initially showed excellent community uptake, with 442 responses, but analysis of the data after the survey closed showed that 227 of these responses were invalid.
Amongst the valid responses, rimu was chosen 105 times, matai was selected 90 times, and kahikatea was selected 83 times. These tree species emerged as the top three favourite trees.
We gathered community feedback on the replacement of 11 unsafe or noxious trees at Victoria Square in Westport. You could vote for your top three favorite tree species out of nine options (feijoa, mandarin, pear, plum, rimu, kauri, kahikatea, mataī and pūriri).
An arborist's assessment has indicated that four trees at the square have a degenerative crown, weak root plates, damage to the trunk, or dieback of the crown. These conditions are causing the trees to die slowly, making them increasingly unsafe for the public.
Two trees need to be removed due to broken branches, roots damaging structures in the surrounding area, or the tree negatively impacting neighbouring trees or power poles. Four fan palms near the Remembrance Garden and Peel Street are classified as noxious plants and must be removed.
Taking these trees down is a safety measure to ensure the community can enjoy Victoria Square without any concerns.
Gathering feedback from users of the square about which trees we could plant was a great opportunity for the community to have input into the future look and feel of this green space.
The survey initially showed excellent community uptake, with 442 responses, but analysis of the data after the survey closed showed that 227 of these responses were invalid.
Amongst the valid responses, rimu was chosen 105 times, matai was selected 90 times, and kahikatea was selected 83 times. These tree species emerged as the top three favourite trees.
Council has evaluated feedback from the recent survey gathering community feedback on the replacement of 11 unsafe or noxious trees at Victoria Square in Westport. The survey was open between 14 February and 3 March 2025.
Find out more about the results in our Media Release.
Council is seeking the community’s feedback on which tree species will replace 11 trees that need to be removed at Victoria Square in Westport. You can give feedback between Friday 14 February and 4:30 pm, Monday 3 March 2025.
New trees for Victoria Square has finished this stage
The community could give their feedback through the online survey.
Survey closed - 3 March 2025
New trees for Victoria Square has finished this stage
The survey closed at 4:30 pm.
Results published - 7 March 2025
New trees for Victoria Square has finished this stage
We will publish the results of the survey.
Review of results - March 2025
New trees for Victoria Square is currently at this stage
We will review the results and select the best mix and locations for the trees that emerge as the top-chosen.
Removal of trees - March 2025
this is an upcoming stage for New trees for Victoria Square
The trees will be removed. This will take around three days, during which parts of the square will be closed to the public to allow the trees to be felled safely. The date depends on contractors’ availability and weather conditions.
Planting of new trees - March - April 2025
this is an upcoming stage for New trees for Victoria Square
Once the suitable trees and locations are available these will be planted.
