Rachel Hunter wades into kauri tree dispute

Rachel Hunter. Photo / Supplied

"Our Rach" has joined the debate over the fate of a West Auckland kauri.

Contractors this week arrived at the Titirangi property of John Lenihan and Jane Greensmith to cut down the tree.

In March, activist Michael Tavares spent three days suspended in the tree amid public outcry for its protection.

Protester Michael Tavares spent days in the kauri tree in protest over plans to cut it down. Photo / Dean Purcell

Lenihan and Greensmith planned to remove the tree, which is not protected, to build two houses.

They had resource consent from the Auckland Council to do so, but the tree was given a reprieve so neighbours could buy the land.

That had not happened, so they had resumed their original plan, they said on Thursday.

Hunter posted her displeasure on her Facebook page yesterday."Is the kauri being threatened again? I thought we went thur (sic) this already! Honestly just leave the kauri ALONE! We all know the the history of this magnificent tree."