New trees for Victoria Square survey evaluated

Council has evaluated feedback from the recent survey gathering community feedback on the replacement of 11 unsafe or noxious trees at Victoria Square in Westport. The survey was open between 14 February and 3 March 2025.

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

The survey initially showed excellent community uptake, with 442 responses, but analysis of the data after the survey closed showed that 227 of these responses were invalid. 

Analysing the individual response data, the user ID and the response time record, showed that the same user filled out the survey multiple times, giving the same or similar responses. 

When an anonymous respondent submits a survey, a cookie in their browser establishes a unique user ID, recorded in the survey data. Seeing multiples of the same user ID indicates multiple submissions made by the same user. These invalid responses were removed prior to evaluating the data.

Amongst the valid responses, rimu was chosen 105 times, matai was selected 90 times, and kahikatea was selected 83 times. These tree species emerged as the top three favourite trees.

The list of species included fruiting trees as an option, as many councils in New Zealand are now planting fruit trees in public spaces for both food security and to provide learning opportunities. Native trees were included, to echo the responses received in the recent Reserve Management survey, where the planting of natives received broad support.

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “We appreciate that some people wanted to suggest other tree species; however we sought expert advice to identify a list providing the most suitable selection of species.”

Victoria Square is dominated by exotic tree species, many of which are substantial in size. The Tree Council of New Zealand recommends a mix of native and exotic trees. Also, exotic tree species are often deciduous and, as they grow, shed more and more leaves, particularly in winter. Russell, Brougham and Lyndhurst Streets’ stormwater sumps are frequently clogged with leaves in winter. Therefore, exotic trees were not included as an option.

Mr Blom says: “It was great to see people getting behind the survey and being so passionate about this green space in the heart of Westport. Analysing the genuine responses has given us a good indication of which trees survey participants want to see at Victoria Square.”

Council staff will now review the results and select the best mix and locations for the trees that have emerged as the most popular.

Removal of the 11 unsafe or noxious trees is scheduled for March, depending on the weather conditions and contractors’ availability. 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.

-ENDS-

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