New trees for Victoria Square

Council is seeking the community’s feedback on which tree species will replace 11 trees that need to be removed at Victoria Square in Westport. You can give feedback between Friday 14 February and 4:30 pm, Monday 3 March 2025.

People can vote for their top three favourite tree species from a selection of nine types, including both fruit trees and native species, through an online survey. Options are feijoa, mandarin, pear, plum, rimu, kauri, kahikatea, mataī and pūriri.

An arborist's assessment has indicated that four of the existing trees have a degenerative crown, weak root plates, damage to the trunk, or dieback of the crown. These conditions are causing the trees to die slowly, making them increasingly unsafe for the public.

Three trees need to be removed due to broken branches, roots damaging structures in the surrounding area, or the tree negatively impacting neighbouring trees or power poles. Four fan palms near the Remembrance Garden and Peel Street are classified as noxious plants and must be removed. None of the trees are notable trees.

Groupe Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “Taking these trees down is a safety measure to ensure the community can enjoy Victoria Square without any concerns. Gathering feedback from users of the square about which trees we should plant will be a great opportunity for the public to have input into the future look and feel of this green space in the heart of Westport.”

The local community and Buller visitors are encouraged to complete the survey, either from their tablet, phone or computer or through a computer located at the Sue Thomson Casey Memorial Library in Westport and at the Reefton Visitor and Service Centre. The survey will be hosted on council’s online community engagement hub, Let’s talk Buller.

Mr Blom says: “We will review the results and select the best mix of species and locations for the trees that emerge as residents’ favourites.”

The removal process will take around three days, during which parts of the square will be closed to the public to allow the trees to be felled safely. This is scheduled for March, with the date depending on the contractors’ availability and weather conditions.

Mr Blom says: “We look forward to hearing from our community about which trees they want to see at Victoria Square. We will announce the winning tree species at the beginning of March.”

Council has published an interactive online map on its community engagement hub, Let’s talk Buller, that includes information about each existing tree’s location, the species, and why it has to be removed. 

How to complete the survey

The survey will be live on council’s engagement platform (let's talk.bullerdc.govt.nz) from Friday 14 February to 4:30 pm, Monday 3 March 2025.

People can complete the survey from their device or use a computer at the Sue Thomson Casey Memorial Library in Westport and at the Reefton Visitor and Service Centre.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:
Community Engagement Team  
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz