An Aucklander has gotten rid of a protected pōhutakawa tree on the city's waterfront after Cyclone Gabrielle, prompting a council investigation.
The tree, which was located above the Parnell Baths, was chopped down this week in the wake of the storm - in what was a breach of the Resource Management Act.
An Auckland Council spokeswoman confirmed to Newshub the tree was cut down without consent and an investigation was underway.
Zane Wedding, an activist and arborist, told Stuff he believed the felling was "opportunistic".
"We should be prosecuting people like that for removing the trees which could have incredible stabilisation value for that bank," he said.
Cutting down, trimming or pruning a protected tree without consent carries a fine of up to $250,000.
Newshub.
