Kāwhia Pōhutukawa tree removal and foreshore redevelopment

The Kāwhia Community Board has made the difficult decision to remove the Pōhutukawa trees along Pouewe Street, Kāwhia. This page brings together all the key information, decisions, and next steps so the community can see the full picture of what’s happening and why.

Origin of the trees - the Pōhutukaka were planted as small trees around 20 years ago to beautify the entrance of Kāwhia. It was suggested that the trees had been grown from local seedlings from Tangi-te-Korowhiti, however, it has been confirmed by the Kāwhia Community Board that the seedlings were sourced from Te Awamutu Garden Centre and are not recorded as having cultural significance.

Why the trees need to be removed

We appreciate the time and effort our community put into sharing their thoughts and feedback during the consultation on the Pōhutukawa trees. We know that many people have a strong connection to them, and that this is not the decision many had hoped for.

However, after careful consideration of all feedback and the available options, the Kāwhia Community Board (KCB) has approved the removal of 10 Pōhutukawa trees. This decision was made to:

• Protect the seawall - The trees’ roots are damaging the structure, causing long term deterioration.

• Improve safety and access - Removing the trees allows for the construction of a safe footpath along the beachfront.

• Manage costs - Tree removal is the most affordable option. Alternatives such as rebuilding or relocating the seawall would cost $50,000 - $100,000 just for planning, with much higher construction costs to follow.

Community feedback and consultation

Public consultation took place from 14 October to 4 November 2024. Feedback showed:

• 59% wanted to keep the trees.

• 19% suggested building a new seawall.

• 16% wanted further investigation into alternatives.

• 6% supported tree removal.

While most feedback supported keeping the trees, the Board had to balance these views with the practical realities of infrastructure and safety.

• You can read the position statement issued by Ngāti Hikairo here.

• You can watch a recording of the Kāwhia Community Board meeting where this decision was made here.

  You can find the full Kāwhia Community Board reports here.

Timing and next steps

• 8 September 2025 - Contractors will remove the trees starting from 7.30am. Council’s Roading Manager will be onsite to oversee the operation.

• Immediately after removal - Stumps removed, ground levelled and grass re-sown to stabilise the site.

• Wood from the trees - Will be gifted to mana whenua (Ngāti Hikairo) for carving. There is potential to use some of this material for a pou, carving or interpretive signage on site, depending on what mana whenua wish to do.

• October 2025 - Council staff will workshop the longer term redevelopment options with the Kāwhia Community Board as part of the Better Places Together (BPT) programme.

• Late 2025/early 2026 - Further design and scoping work, including opportunities for community input.

Redevelopment of the foreshore (post-removal)

This project is not just about removing trees, it is also about creating a safer, more resilient and welcoming foreshore. Key redevelopment elements include:

• Working in partnership

  • With Te Rōnanganui o Ngāti Hikairo to understand whether they want to highlight or protect the area as cultural heritage.

  • With the Kāwhia Community Board and wider community to explore design options for the town’s gateway.

• Gateway design

  • Removing the trees opens an opportunity to reframe the entrance to Kāwhia.

  • Expressions of interest will be called for the design of the new footpath and verge.

  • Options may include landscaping, interpretive signage or cultural features that reflect Kāwhia’s story and identity.

Acknowledging the difficulty of this decision

We know this decision has not been easy and that it affects many people personally. While the removal of the trees is a tough step, it is necessary to protect important infrastructure, improve safety and reduce future costs.

We remain committed to:

• Preserving the natural beauty of Kāwhia.

• Exploring opportunities for new tree planting.

• Working with mana whenua and the community to ensure the redevelopment of the foreshore reflects Kāwhia’s identity and values.