9 March 2018

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Tissink Redwood figures

Enquiry

A reporter sought comment regarding the progress of the Redwood sculpture restoration project.

Response

The following information was provided:

The process to restore the Redwood figures has taken longer than expected due to the wetness of the wood, especially in the larger male figure.

The timber is laminated around a steel sub frame and covered with an epoxy resin to finish it off. Because of the epoxy coating water that was able to get in through cracks became trapped inside and because these are substantial pieces of wood it had taken a considerable length of time for the timber to dry.

So far work has been done to strip back the epoxy coating, and to remove and replace the most water damaged areas.

There is no expected date for finish at this stage.

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Fallen tree branch on Wylie Street

Enquiry

A reporter sought a response regarding a tree branch that had fallen on a car in Wylie Street and comments from the street's residents:

• A few I spoke to said they had complained about the trees to council on several occasions, because they were worried they would come down.
• Can you please confirm if the council has received any complaints about the trees on Wylie St, and if any work was planned for them?
• Is any work likely to take place as a result of the branch coming down this afternoon?
• Are you also able to confirm what kind of trees they are, and how old they are?

Response

From Sports and Recreation Manager, Rob Pitkethley:

"Council's ongoing tree maintenance programme monitors the 40 trees in Wylie Street which also includes clearing branches from power lines, removal of dead limbs and height reduction maintenance.

Council brought in an expert arborist who has been in Rotorua this week to carry out an inspection of the city's trees, which included checks in Wylie Street. He will provide an inspection report and recommendations in due course to enhance Council's tree maintenance programmes.

A Liquidambar tree limb split away from the 60 year old main trunk yesterday (Friday) in Wylie Street. We haven't received inquiries about this particular tree but Council has received a number of inquiries from residents in Wylie Street over the years primarily about leaves and has been told about occasional branches coming down which we've addressed.

We continue to encourage residents in our district to report any concerns they have to council on 348 4199 which enables us to identify possible issues that need checking. We also encourage anyone walking near trees to be vigilant especially in severe weather such as wind, gales and rain."