Tauranga council cordons off Yatton Park after large pine tree falls

An uprooted tree in Yatton Park, Tauranga. Photo / Samantha Motion

A section of Yatton Park in Tauranga is closed after a large tree, estimated at 60m tall, came down on Sunday afternoon.

A large section of the top end of the park surrounding several trees was cordoned off this morning.

Parkvale resident Jill Ryder said she felt the ground shake at 3.44pm.

“I thought it was an earthquake. My husband said he heard the noise of it ... the roar beforehand.”

Another resident said a 60m pine fell close to the swings.

They said locals were worried “this could happen to their properties”.

Yatton Park in Tauranga has been closed off after due to a fallen tree. Photo / Samantha Motion

Tauranga City Council said fencing has been installed, closing some of Yatton Park where trees have fallen.

“Mid-afternoon on Sunday a tree came down in Yatton Park,” council said in a statement.

“The heavy rain last week, combined with Sunday’s strong winds likely contributed to this

“We have fenced off the fallen tree to ensure public safety.”

A 60m pine tree has been uprooted in Yatton Park, Tauranga. Photo / Samantha Motion