Aviator's commemorative tree moves over for controversial wharenui

A camellia tree planted in memory of aviator Jean Batten will be moved today as a new wharenui is built - making Howick residents who have campaigned against it since 2004 angrier.

Some say their opposition to the tree shift is part of wider opposition to the whole development at the Emilia Maud Nixon Garden of Memories.

Five years ago the wharenui, known as Torere, was damaged by arson.

Continued controversy surrounding the building has led to iwi withdrawing consent to use the name.

Work is due to start on the new two-storey structure by December. But the camellia has to be shifted to another part of the garden before excavation work can start.

Local historian Murray Reid said the tree was planted during 1936 or 1937 to commemorate the aviator's achievements by the woman who bequeathed her land to the old borough council.

Mr Reid said Ms Batten had known the Nixon family when she lived for a short time as a child next door to them. It was ironic the "act of vandalism" was scheduled for today, the eve of the 100th anniversary of Batten's birth.

He said it wasn't certain the tree would survive the move.

"We are trampling all over Jean Batten's history if we play around with that tree."

Asked if his opposition to the tree being transported was a final attempt to stop the building of a new wharenui, Mr Reid said it was.

"Oh probably. Put it this way, my biggest criticism is that if you or I as a developer wanted to do the things the council does it would come down on us like a tonne of bricks."

But Manukau City Council's community services manager Diane Maloney said the council was doing everything by the book.

Its resource consent allows for tree removal even though a building consent had not yet been granted and council officers had been assured the tree had every chance of surviving the move, Ms Maloney said.

Councillor Jamie-Lee Ross said that after an exhaustive consultation process in which most community submitters supported the rebuild, and an Environment Court hearing, many in Howick just wanted the work to start.

"The vast majority of people have moved on already. We have a responsibility to rebuild it."

A kaumatua blessing was scheduled for 7am today.