South Auckland's thin tree cover at risk under planning law changes

Māngere-Otahuhu has 9 percent tree canopy cover; Auckland's average is 20 percent. Two bills replacing the Resource Management Act would protect urban trees only if they hold historic heritage value. Māngere arborist Zane Wedding says many South Auckland trees were cut after general protections were removed in 2015. Minister Chris Bishop said heritage trees remain protected.