To create a calmer and more welcoming entry to Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Council has planted a series of mature pohutukawa, totara, titoki and Norfolk pine trees along Maunganui Road.

The 10-year-old trees, including 18 native trees and three exotics, have been sourced from a tree company in Te Puke.

Sourcing larger trees has been pivotal to the successful look and feel of the project, says Tauranga City Council's Team Leader for Parks and Environment, Warren Aitken.

'Mature trees have a big visual impact from day one and in future they will bring shade and beauty to this stretch of road,” he says.

'Transplanting mature trees can be challenging, however, thanks to careful planning by our arborists they will adapt to their new home.”

Pilot Bay's iconic Norfolk pines, with 60 years of growth, point to what the future could look like for Maunganui Road. Combined with the natives, these trees will create a sense of space and grandeur greeting visitors and locals for years to come.

'Our city needs trees like these, and we were very happy to collaborate with several local organisations on this planting project, which is helping to create a beautiful space that encourages wildlife.”

'Green roading corridors also help to filter emissions from traffic and make our city a healthier and more attractive place to live.”