Family fear the widow maker

WIDOW MAKER: This image taken after the storm that hit earlier this month shows the damage caused to the gum tree that blocked this Beach Haven driveway.

Sarah Argyle

TOWERING PROBLEM: Craig Newth cant understand why the council wont allow him to remove a tree that towers 25 metres above his house.

Every time the wind blows Craig Newth and his family worry what will happen to a 25 metre gum tree that towers over their house.

Is there a tree causing you grief? Email us at newstips@stuff.co.nz

The Beach Haven, Auckland, resident says he doesn't understand why the council won't allow it to be removed.

Because their property is exposed to wind, the family's nerves are frayed.

Newth says gum trees, also known as widow makers, are notorious for dropping limbs.

A council arborist, Vector worker and private arborist have all on separate occasions said the branches from the tree could injure someone and it should be removed, he says.

But when Newth approached the council they told him resource consent was needed and then declined it on more than one occasion.

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Family fear the widow maker