4.30 pm - By CHRIS DANIELS
Aucklanders still pining for a sight of radiata on One Tree Hill have been rewarded with a new, albeit brief glimpse of a piece of timber on the summit.
Maungakiekie, or One Tree Hill, has been without a tree since October last year. But some prankster
decided to bring back the pine yesterday, planting a four-metre pinus branch near the stump of the old tree.
The grizzled Monterey pine that had been on the hill for 125 years was removed after it was repeatedly damaged by protesters.
Visitors and tourists were seen walking up to the mystery tree with puzzled expressions, some wondering if the Auckland City Council had dispensed with the idea public consultation and planted a new, somewhat scrawny pine.
"Ooh, it doesn't look very healthy," said one visitor, seemingly oblivious to the fact it was a branch stuck into the ground, rather than a growing tree.
Whoever was responsible for the nocturnal tree planting certainly did their work well, as the branch stood sturdily erect in the face of blustery winds.
A cryptic note attached to the wood seemed to point towards its planting being a prank rather than any deep political statement.
"Dear Auckland, I've been pining for you," it read. "I went to pieces, asta la vista, where's Mike, yours faithfully P. Radiata jnr".
Cameron Parr, the Auckland City parks officer in charge of the tree planting on the hill, had not heard about the unauthorised planting til he was told by the Herald.
It would definitely not be allowed to stay on the summit, he said.
