Are pōhutukawa protected in Auckland?

Not automatically. A pōhutukawa is protected if it's a listed notable tree, sits in a protected coastal or ecological area, or is covered by a consent condition or covenant. Many grow near the coast, so they're worth checking.

Do I need consent to prune a protected tree?

Often, yes. Protection can cover pruning and work near the tree as well as removal. Check with Auckland Council before any work.

Who do I call to check?

Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. You can also look up your address on the Unitary Plan viewer.

Do You Need Consent to Remove a Tree in Auckland?

Key takeaways

No class or species of tree is automatically protected in Auckland, apart from on the Hauraki Gulf islands.
A tree can be protected if it's a notable tree, sits in a protected area such as near a stream or coastal cliff, or is covered by a consent condition or title covenant.
If you're not sure, call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 before any work starts.

The short answer

Auckland Council says no class or species of tree has automatic protection, except on the Hauraki Gulf islands, which have their own rules. That means most trees in a typical suburban garden can be trimmed or removed without a resource consent.

The catch is that some individual trees are protected, and the protection can apply to pruning and to work near the tree as well as removal. If a tree is protected you may need a resource consent before you touch it.

When a tree may be protected

Notable trees. Trees listed in the Unitary Plan's Notable Trees schedule, often because of their size, age or history.
Significant Ecological Areas. Trees inside an area mapped for its ecological value.
Near water or the coast. Trees and other non-pest vegetation are likely to be protected within 20 m of a stream or river bank, within 20 m of a steep coastal cliff that's close to the sea, or in or near sensitive coastal and wetland areas.
Consent conditions. A tree may have been protected as a condition of an earlier resource consent, for example when the property was subdivided or built.
Covenants or consent notices. Some property titles include a covenant that protects trees.
Rural land. Removing more than 250 square metres of vegetation on rural-zoned land needs consent.

How to check

Look up your address on the Auckland Unitary Plan viewer. The results list the overlays on your property, including notable trees and Significant Ecological Areas.
Order a property file from Auckland Council to see if an earlier consent protects the tree.
Order a copy of your Record of Title from LINZ to check for covenants or consent notices.
If you're still not sure, call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 and ask to talk to someone about the tree before any work starts.

Coastal properties

Many homes in St Heliers, Kohimarama, Mission Bay, Ōrākei and Glendowie are close to the water or on sloping coastal sections. These are exactly the spots where coastal rules can apply, so it's worth checking even for an ordinary looking tree. Pōhutukawa are common here too. Read my pōhutukawa pruning guide.

Trees near power lines

This is a separate rule. In Auckland, Vector asks that only approved utility arborists trim trees within four metres of a power line. If your tree is near a line, let me know and I can point you in the right direction.

Once you know it's not protected

If the tree is clear to remove, I can take it down safely in sections and clear away all the wood and green waste. For very large trees close to buildings, I'll be upfront if it's a job for a specialist arborist. See tree removal or ask for a free quote.

Do you need council permission to remove a tree in Auckland?