Removal of Monkey Puzzle Trees Allowed

A company has been given permission to remove two monkey puzzle trees from a site in south Gore where it intends to establish a farm machinery business.

Independent hearing commissioner Wendy Baker released her decision this week following a hearing in September into a resource consent application from Power Farming Holdings Ltd.

Conditions of the consent include a requirement for the company to provide the Gore District Council with two seedlings germinated from seeds collected from the two monkey puzzle trees.

These seeds are to be planted on Council reserve with a plaque describing the history and significance of the trees. The plaque is to be funded by Power Farming Holdings.

The company must also pay $18,000 to the Council’s parks department. The money will be used to plant 70 trees in an open area on the eastern side of the Gore-Mataura highway.

Power Farming Holdings intends to locate a farm machinery sales business, with an on-site workshop and parts division, at the corner of Falconer Road and Charlton Lane.

Its application attracted 11 submissions - nine were opposed and two in support.

Submitters have 20 days to appeal the decision.

For more information, you can read about the resource consent application process over on our Let's Talk engagement hub.