The Weekend Sun 14/6/13 and 21/6/13 (Faulkner's Corner) describes how we have an ugly Aussie pest in the lovely Matua suburb, so let's get rid of it! This Kurrajong /Illawarra Flame tree due to some bureaucratic bungling is on the protected tree list which apparently does not include Australian trees.
Yet the owners of 227 Levers Rd will have to apply for a resource consent which Councillor Faulkner confirms is a lengthy and expensive process. Come on Tauranga City Councillors have some compassion, bend the rules and get the resource consent yourselves and have the tree removed! It is not the property owners fault that this abomination of a tree was put on the protected list. The root system has previously caused damage to the footpath and Mr and Mrs Lauder's driveway is in shocking mess. Mr Lauder is endeavouring to recover from a severe stroke and the stress of this unfortunate situation is in no way assisting with his recovery. Councillor Faulkner confirms the tree has been hacked around to keep clear of power lines and doesn't even look appealing.
I'm sure the residents of Matua would all agree with that. Tauranga City Council I appeal to you to get rid of this Aussie pest.

Barry Roach, Brookfield.