Protester Michael Tavares is 25 metres up the kauri. Photo / Michael Tavares / Twitter
Protesters trying to stop developers in Titirangi from felling a 500-year-old kauri to make way for houses have scored their first victory.
Around 50 protesters gathered at the site in Paturoa Road this morning.
The tree was due to be cut down at 7.30am but the company hired to carry out the work left saying they did not have the power to remove the protesters.
At least one person, Michael Tavares, has climbed 25 metres up the tree after learning about the protest through social media.
set up to try to save the tree, organisers said that Treescape, the contractors employed to fell the 500-year old tree advised the group they will not return to the site today.
Among those protesting this morning were members of the Waitakere local board.
Greg Presland said on his Facebook page that attending the protest the day after the board had held an event to celebrate kauri was 'somewhat sombre'.
"Having to witness the threat to a majestic Kauri the day after the Board's successful Kauri Karnival really rankled."
The Kauri Karnival was held at Parrs Park to celebrate kauri and prevent the spread of kauri dieback.
"It is unconscionable that during a time of enormous concern about kauri dieback that developers would kill a healthy kauri, to make way for a deck," said protest organiser and local resident Aprilanne Bonar.
"Our precious Kauri and Rimu are part of Titirangi, we want to save them and will be on site for as long as it takes. The Council needs to receive this message as a call for balance in the new resource consent process so this does not happen again."
Auckland Council granted the developers of the site resource consent to build two houses on the land.
Organisers urged supporters to remain vigilent and said they would continue with a 'rolling protest' to ensure the tree remained standing.