A Survey of Urban Tree Management in New Zealand    (View PDF)

Matthew Stobbart and Mark Johnston

Abstract: Local authorities in New Zealand are responsible for managing many of the publicly owned trees in their district and have a statutory duty to act as an environmental guardian for trees that have a significant amenity or cultural value. No previous research had been completed to investigate, on a national scale, the efficiency and effectiveness of local authority tree management. A survey questionnaire was designed to assess the extent that tree management is planned, systematic, and integrated and to identify the key challenges and limitations local authorities face in managing the urban forest. A survey questionnaire was sent to each of New Zealand’s 73 local authorities. Thirty questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 41%. Many local authority tree management programs were found to be operating under difficult conditions and often within severe financial constraints. A lack of basic information about the urban forest was making it difficult for many local authorities to develop meaningful strategies and budgets and was reflected in low levels of planned maintenance. Resource constraints, conflicting priorities, and a lack of public and political support were all highlighted as being significant threats to many tree programs.

Keywords: Local Authority; New Zealand; Surveys; Tree Management

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2012.032