Visitors to Katikati Cemetery will soon enjoy views of Tauranga Harbour once again thanks to a landowner approving a request from the site's project leader.
Val Baker, who is leading work to enhance the cemetery, called for a line of gumtrees that neighbour the Hot Springs Rd site to be removed.
Katikati
Lion Don Hoseason, involved in the cemetery project, approached the landowner, who has now agreed to the removal.
"The man is quite happy for the the trees to be removed.
"He will contribute to the cost of removal as long as firewood is left for him," said Val. "Everyone is very happy and we hope to get them out before winter."
Val said that the trees not only blocked views of the sea but could become a danger this winter in wet, windy weather.
"During the project I've had many people come to me, including older residents and visitors who remember the sea view from the cemetery, and ask why the trees cannot be removed," she said.
"A lot remember the site before the trees were planted and that is why many came to Katikati Cemetery or choose to bury their loved ones there."
Val says one family buried their mother facing the sea instead of uphill.
"Her feet are where her head should be - that was her wish - to look at the sea rather than the hills," says Val.
"The other reason I made the request is that gumtrees split or shed branches and debris in heavy rain or wind because they are shallow rooted.
"A few are leaning over part of the cemetery and could damage the headstones and gravesites that have been restored - and the landowner would liable for this damage."
Val, who owns a timber business, says the Western Bay of Plenty District Council will drop a fence to offer a "safe falling site" away from graves for the removal process.
"We now need to get the job done this month or in March before the ground gets soft."
