Consultation outcome

Background

Trees are an essential part of the landscape of Hamilton Kirikiriroa. In addition to aesthetic and cultural value, trees provide a range of environmental benefits including cleaning air by absorbing carbon dioxide, cooling through shade, and managing storm water.

Council did not have a policy that addresses the management of trees, outside of Notable Trees protected through the District Plan.

This consultation was seeking feedback on Council’s draft Tree Policy covering:

  • all trees on Council-owned land should be managed in a balanced way
  • clear guidelines around decision making regarding trees
  • tree planting and management that is appropriate, financially sustainable, and contributes to positive community outcomes.

What we heard from the community

We heard from 157 individuals and eight representatives from organisations during the engagement.

Respondents often spoke to the benefits of trees, such as shade provision, climate action, and beautification. Many respondents wanted to see more trees around Hamilton, particularly native trees. Mature trees were also well loved.

Numerous respondents voiced concerns around the maintenance of existing trees, especially those planted in suburbs. Several complained about leaves blocking gutters, covering streets and root damage. Some hoped the proposed ‘right tree in the right place’ approach would prevent these issues in future plantings.

Overall, respondents were overwhelmingly supportive of the Policy, and excited by the thought of Hamilton’s trees receiving more attention and protection.

For more information, please refer to the submission insights report.

Decision

The feedback and insights received during the consultation was considered during the Council’s decision making.

The Council adopted the draft Tree Policy at the 28 August 2025 Council meeting.

You can view the agenda, minutes and watch a recording of that meeting here.

The adopted draft Tree Policy, which is now in place, is available here.

We asked

Council is developing a Tree Policy.
Click on the headings below for high-level information and to share feedback.
If you would like to get into the roots of the matter, read our draft Tree Policy here.

🌱 Why are we developing a Tree Policy?

Trees are an essential part of the landscape of Hamilton Kirikiriroa. In addition to aesthetic and cultural value, trees provide a range of environmental benefits including cleaning air by absorbing carbon dioxide, cooling through shade, and managing storm water.

Council does not currently have a policy that addresses the management of trees, outside of Notable Trees protected through the District Plan.

The draft Tree Policy will ensure:

  • all trees on Council-owned land are managed in a balanced way
  • there are clear guidelines around decision making regarding trees
  • tree planting and management is appropriate, financially sustainable, and contributes to positive community outcomes.

Council is seeking feedback on the proposal from people in the community who may be affected by, or have an interest in, the draft policy.

🌱 What are we proposing?

Council is proposing to create a Tree Policy to provide guidance around the planting, maintenance and retention or removal of Hamilton’s trees in Council owned spaces, including parks and streets.

Introducing the policy will guide tree risk assessments, maintenance and protection across the city, and ensure that the benefits trees provide will be maximised and retained for the future.

The key reasons for the proposal are:

  • The tree canopy of Hamilton Kirikiriroa is essential to community, economic and environmental wellbeing, and it is important Council owned trees are managed and prioritised as critical, long-term public assets.
  • The proposed policy provides guidance for the planting, protection, maintenance and removal of trees on Council land. This will create clarity for decision making while maintaining consistency in the approaches taken by Council.

  • Health and safety

    Principle: To manage risks resulting from Council owned trees, including risks to health and safety

    Policy: Council undertakes maintenance on street trees to ensure health and minimise risk.

  • Tree planting

    Principle: Maximise canopy cover across the city, select species that are appropriate for the location and ensure new planting supports biodiversity targets. 

    Policy: Council will take a ‘right tree in the right place’ approach to planning and planting. Clear guidelines about planting will ensure what is planted can withstand changing weather, supports biodiversity targets, and is appropriate for the location.

  • Tree removal

    Principle: Trees with high amenity and ecological significance are valued. Removal of good quality, mature trees will only be considered when all other options are exhausted. Clear guidelines around replacement value of trees to ensure sufficient mitigation to offset the loss of established trees. 

    Policy: Good quality, mature trees have significant value to the city, and their removal will only be considered when all other options are exhausted. Tree removals must be approved by Council.

  • Tree replacement

    Principle: Mitigate the loss of street tree canopy through developments. Ensure trees being planted are fit for place and purpose. Streamline processes for the replacement of street trees through land use consenting.

    Policy: Council will require at least two new trees planted for every Council tree removed for development. The cost of tree replacement, including all relevant costs, will be calculated, and paid to Council prior to tree removal being approved.