Over six months later… It has been disappointing to listen to concerned residents still incensed and requesting an explanation about the Toe-Paw Council’s vandalism of a protected Oak tree on Taupahi Road.

This week we received more complaints from adjacent property owners who are absolutely fed up with the inexcusable procrastination from the council over the reasons for butchering such a fine specimen tree. After six months of waiting for an explanation, they have been very reasonable, requesting information on the likely fate of the ugly stump, originally a stately oak tree on Taupahi Road. The photos illustrate the destruction. To force the council to reply, they have now reluctantly appointed legal representation.

We can only encourage them. Their concerns are justified after the council removed over 100 deciduous trees in Turangi residential area in 2024. The town’s residential appearance now looks empty and forlorn without the mature leafy foliage that was a signature of Turangi’s character.

On 15 November 2024 the contractors arrived in Taupahi Road, armed with their red cones and a fleet of trucks and began attacking a listed Red Oak tree. We (TRM) immediately complained to council representatives at about 9 am, but it took them until about 3 pm to stop the carnage. They promised in writing that an official investigation would follow with a report, etc. but since then silence…

The adjoining owners have now discovered a council report dated February, in which every comment that identified who and why had been blacked out. Suspicious? It confirms Council’s arrogant attitude to avoid any responsibility. This “confidential” report has made them even more furious. After six months of waiting, the council had hoped the objectors might have gone away. Instead, now they are getting serious!

The photo above is the view from my bedroom – that is what we have to suffer every day.

This is another blog reminder to confirm Toe-paw Council has not been reasonable. If this had happened in Taupo, there would be an immediate outcry, while Turangi continues to be ignored. It is time for them to front up with a full explanation of why and when…

Photos below are now historical – of how we remembered Turangi used to be…