To try to keep readers and absentee rate-payers (i.e. many non-residents have holiday homes in Turangi) up-to-date with Council’s response to the pruning (destruction?) of the mature majestic Oak tree on Taupahi Road, next to TRM about two weeks ago…

At last they replied:

From: Andrew Moor <amoor@taupo.govt.nz>

Subject: RE: Taupo Council vandalism?

Date: 28 November 2024 at 11:50:45 AM NZDT

To: “ross@tongarirorivermotel.co.nz” <ross@tongarirorivermotel.co.nz>

Good morning – your query regarding the ‘pruning’ of the Oak Tree on Taupahi Road has been forwarded to me to respond. Apologies for the delay in this. It appears that the cause of this, has been an error in communication. The contractor undertaking the works began felling the entire tree. Once Council was notified of the extent of the work, it was placed on hold. Currently an independent investigation is underway looking into how this occurred and what is required to ensure this does not happen again. There is no other work in regard to heavy pruning or removals planned on Taupahi Road currently. Once the independent investigation has been completed more information will be made available to the community.

Regards

So you can interpret that however you like. This is obviously more than just another “communications error”. These staff are supposed to have a formal procedure to follow to avoid such “accidents”. Taupo Council Parks Department has a set policy for pricing everything before proceeding with the purchase or job – so a contractor prices a job, parks approves the job and issues an order number and works order for the approved work. Only then does the contractor carry out the work as per that works order. How can there be miscommunication? Unless, of course, the contractor isn’t required to quote on the work and, in that case, how do they know the rate payer is getting value for money?  Look at the team involved. Residents need to be informed how much $$$ this has cost so far as there is now the ugly stump to remove.

I wonder if Andrew Moor or any Council officials have the courage and responsibility to meet to explain verbally to residents. They deserve a roasting!

Below are photos to illustrate the reason Turangi is so upset:

BEFORE: (14 November)

AFTER:

Wouldn’t you be annoyed?