Historic Harvey Tree saved for future generations

Cuttings from an historic tree in central Auckland are being lovingly cultivated in a nursery, ready to take the place of their parent tree - which had to be removed for station works.

The Harvey Tree, an oriental plane tree growing outside 93 Albert Street, was planted in the 1960s or 70s by businessman Les Harvey. It had to be removed as its roots were severely intertwined with the utilities (gas, water mains, electrical cables) beneath the footpath. The roots were so intertwined there was a risk that trying to relocate it could kill the tree.

The Harvey Tree, along with four others along this same stretch of Albert Street, were removed because they were in the footprint of where the underground Aotea Station will be built.

Aotea will be 15 metres deep and 300m long – and is expected to be New Zealand's busiest train station. With entrances on Victoria and Wellesley Streets, the underground station will also be future-proofed for any future decision to create a North Shore rail line. Find out more about the Aotea Station here, or click here to sign up to its monthly newsletter update.

Deputy project director for the Link Alliance, Dale Burtenshaw said, “Removing trees is necessary for our works programme, but every tree cleared will be replaced when we start street improvements after construction is finished.”

Find out more about CRL’s tree programme here.