Sentencing for pohutukawa chopping on hold

The man convicted of chopping down a protected pohutukawa tree in Onehunga has had his sentencing adjourned until March 2 because the Maungakiekie Community Board has yet to make recommendations through the restorative justice process.

George Bernard Shaw was convicted late last year of hiring contractors to destroy the century-old tree growing on a section he owns in Mt Smart Rd.

He apologised to the city council and the public for his actions and faces a maximum fine of $200,000 or two years' imprisonment.