Native tree protest in Auckland grows as protester ties himself to digger
Wednesday, 16 September 2020
More than 100 protesters have gathered to stop the removal of native trees in Auckland, with one man tying himself to a digger.
For more than 70 days, Save Canal Road Native Trees group have occupied an area of Canal Rd in Avondale.
On Wednesday, veteran protester Steve Abel, who was previously almost hit by one of the trees as it fell down, said up to 200 people were at the site after hearing police were on their way and contractors planned to cut down trees on Wednesday.
About half a dozen people were in the trees and protester Ken Sparks had used duct tape to secure himself to a digger on a truck so it could not get to the site.
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Heavy machinery arrived at 5am and in seconds, Sparks had taped himself to the digger before they could off-load it from the transport truck.
Other protesters formed a human wall behind him.
Sparks stayed that way for a few hours and after 9am, agreed to untie himself because contractors promised to take it away.
Abel said it was another win for the cause to save the trees.
He said the protesters had “solid intel” that heavy machinery was coming to do some work before they sprang into action.
It was the first time in 70 days they had seen heavy machinery at the site since their protest began, he said.
“It was pressing that we got this done, and we have managed to keep the trees stand-off for one more day.”
Abel said people were chanting and calling on Auckland Council to “step up” and stop the trees from being cut down.
Many people at the protest could be seen wearing masks. About 20 police officers at the scene were wearing masks and gloves.
In the 71 days since the occupation started, Abel said neither mayor Phil Goff nor any councillors had been there.
Abel said protesters were “very passionate” and tree protection needed to be brought back.
A police spokesman said officers were aware of the ongoing protest action.
“We are currently at the location and are currently monitoring the situation,” the spokesman said.
“Police recognise the lawful right to protest and our priority is to ensure the safety of all.”
Save Canal Road Native Trees is calling on Auckland Council to buy the property as a public reserve.
The group also wants the Government to reinstate general tree protection.
In July, Goff told Stuff his team was working hard to reverse amendments made to the Resource Management Act in 2012 that allowed for trees to be cut down on private properties without consent.
“There are groups of trees like this all over our city that have no protection. We need to reverse the amendments [made] in 2012 and the best way to protect these trees is to get change in the legislation to get group protection.”
Auckland Council’s environment committee said it would explore the legal aspects first, and told protesters it did not want to offer any false hope that it could be possible.