Key Takeaways:
- The Masterton council plans to remove a large number of trees in the town centre as part of a broader upgrade of the area
- The upgrade includes replacing the water main, reconstructing footpaths, and resurfacing the road between Jackson and Park Streets
- The council claims that tree roots are causing problems for footpaths, road surfaces, and underground pipes, and that the felled trees will be replaced with more suitable species
- Local reaction is mixed, with some retailers and residents expressing concern about the loss of the town’s character and others supporting the upgrade for safety and infrastructure reasons
- The council has stated that there will be no further public consultation on the removal of the trees, as the project has already been consulted on as part of the long-term plan
Introduction to the Controversy
The Masterton council has announced plans to remove a significant number of trees in the town centre as part of a major upgrade of the area. The upgrade, which includes replacing the water main, reconstructing footpaths, and resurfacing the road between Jackson and Park Streets, is expected to begin in March 2026. However, the plan to remove the trees has sparked controversy among local retailers and residents, with some expressing concern about the loss of the town’s character and others supporting the upgrade for safety and infrastructure reasons.
The Council’s Perspective
According to the Masterton council spokesperson, the removal of the trees is necessary due to the problems caused by their roots. The spokesperson stated that tree roots can cause major problems for footpaths, road surfaces, and underground pipes, and that the council will work with Green by Nature, a landscape services business, to ensure that the felled trees are replaced with species that are more suitable for the location. The council claims that the upgrade will make the space "remain green and shady with less damage to public infrastructure." The spokesperson also noted that the project has already been consulted on as part of the long-term plan, and that there will be no further public consultation on the removal of the trees.
Local Reaction
Local reaction to the plan has been mixed. Some retailers and residents have expressed concern about the loss of the town’s character, with one Queen St retailer stating that the greenery is "anchoring" and that the trees should not be removed without further consultation. Others, such as Eve Buchanan, chairperson of Tupu Ana Business Masterton, have supported the upgrade, stating that the trees are becoming a hindrance and that the council’s plan to put more green space back into central Masterton is a good one. Ian Price, a Masterton resident for 22 years, expressed a more nuanced view, stating that while he likes the trees, he can understand the problem caused by their roots and would like to know what the council plans to do to replace them.
The Importance of Green Space
The debate over the removal of the trees highlights the importance of green space in urban areas. Green space can provide numerous benefits, including improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of an area. In the case of Masterton, the trees in the town centre have been a key part of the town’s character, and their removal is likely to have a significant impact on the area’s appearance and atmosphere. However, the council’s plan to replace the felled trees with more suitable species and to create more green space in the centre of town may ultimately benefit the area, as long as it is done in a way that takes into account the concerns of local retailers and residents.
The Need for Consultation
The lack of further public consultation on the removal of the trees has been a point of contention among some local retailers and residents. While the council claims that the project has already been consulted on as part of the long-term plan, some argue that the removal of the trees is a significant enough issue to warrant further consultation. Mark Rogers, co-owner of Bear Flag Books, stated that he would like to think that the trees will be replaced with something environmentally attractive, but that he would be unhappy if they were removed without good reason. The need for consultation highlights the importance of community engagement in urban planning and development, and the need for councils to listen to the concerns of local residents and businesses.
Conclusion
The plan to remove a large number of trees in the Masterton town centre has sparked controversy among local retailers and residents. While the council claims that the removal of the trees is necessary due to the problems caused by their roots, others argue that the trees are an important part of the town’s character and should not be removed without further consultation. Ultimately, the outcome of the upgrade will depend on the council’s ability to balance the need for infrastructure improvements with the concerns of local retailers and residents, and to create a plan that benefits the area as a whole.