Kerikeri's most contested tree is no more.
An olive tree outside Cathay Cinemas, on Hobson Ave, has been given the chop after dividing opinion in the town for months.
Cinema owners Mark and Ingrid Galloway called for public views on the tree's future earlier this year, saying they wanted it gone because it obscured the newly renovated complex.
It also reduced visibility at the pedestrian crossing, which had been a few hundred metres further up Hobson Ave but was now directly outside the cinema.
Letters to the local paper revealed strong views both for and against the tree.
An Eastern Community Board meeting on July 14 heard submissions from Kerikeri resident Charlie Smellie, who said the tree threatened power lines.
He offered to help replace it with something more suitable.
Iain Morrison, of Vision Kerikeri, said the tree hampered the Galloways' plans to improve the footpath, and suggested it be dug up and relocated to Rolands Wood on Inlet Rd.
Mr Morrison also said it was at risk from passing pedestrians or it could be removed "by others taking a decision to chainsaw it out at night".
But some lamented the tree's fate. Inge Bremer, of Transition Towns Bay of Islands, said it was "crazy" to cut down an attractive tree that did not detract from the cinema - and which had just produced a bumper crop of olives.
A report by council staff found no compelling reason to cut down the tree but the board voted to remove it in light of the pedestrian crossing's new location.
The board also agreed that the building owner meet the cost of fixing the footpath and planting three suitable replacement trees.
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