Permitted Activities

What is happening with the tree rules from 1 January 2012?

In 2009, Parliament amended the Resource Management Act 1991 to remove general (blanket) tree rules in urban areas from 1 January 2012. Many people thought that it meant that any tree could be cut down from 1 January 2012. This is not the case.

Under the Auckland Council District Plan (North Shore section) all of the existing tree rules, except for rule 8.4.6.1.2 (a) General tree protection (native and exotic trees in residential zones) in the Residential 7 zone, will continue to be enforced from 1 January 2012. Therefore you may still require a resource consent from the 1 January 2012 to remove or undertake any other works that may affect the health of the tree on your property; this includes some trimming and pruning. It is vital you check with the council before you take any action that may harm a tree.

Further information on the implementation of tree rules under this Plan from 1 January 2012, including trimming and pruning requirements, can be found on our tree consent page.