Save Notable Trees In Christchurch

Arborist Brad Cadwallader believes that the Christchurch Arts Centre's copper beech is "perhaps one of the most outstanding exotic trees in Christchurch" -- but initially it (and the other Arts Centre trees) weren't even assessed by the Council, and excluded from the proposed Replacement Plan on those grounds. Part of our mediated agreement with the Council was that all these trees be assessed. Unsurprisingly, they are now all added to the list for inclusion on the Plan -- if the Independent Hearing Panel endorses the mediated agreement. "But if you've followed the process in good faith and reached an agreement," you may say, "shouldn't the Panel's decision just follow automatically?"

But the Panel have already raised the question of fairness to tree owners who haven't lodged a submission or further submission -- and "fairness" is a legal matter, which is why it is so important that we can afford a lawyer to make legal submissions to support the trees' case.