Plans are underway to expand Pukekawa / Auckland Domain’s rich botanical collection with six carefully selected trees, approved for planting by the Pukekawa Auckland Domain Committee for planting.
Senior Urban Forest Specialist Bernardo Santos highlights that the heritage status and framework governing Auckland’s oldest park make such new plantings rare.
“We’ve chosen species that will enhance the Arboretum area within the Domain, expanding its species diversity. These trees are expected to thrive and be enjoyed for many years to come,” Mr Santos says.
This year’s plantings are possible due to the restoration of the Wintergarden buildings in 2023 and are compensating for tree losses during the work. The six new trees include four unique oak varieties – Quercus faginea (Portuguese oak), Quercus ilex (Holm oak), Quercus suber (Cork oak), Quercus afares (African oak) – and two araucaria species – Araucaria luxurians (Coast Araucaria) and Araucaria angustifolia (Paraná pine).
All six new trees are planted in the Domain’s Arboretum Area, which is known for showcasing unusual species from around the world. The Domain’s existing oak stands are historically significant, but some trees are nearing their centenary and showing signs of stress from changing weather patterns.
Pukekawa Auckland Domain Committee Chair Cr Desley Simpson says the four new oak varieties, native to Africa or the Mediterranean, will provide suitable alternatives that allow for a continued heritage connection to oaks.
“The most important factor is their survival. We are planting with a view to these trees being enjoyed for the next 100 years, or more,” says Cr Simpson. “We want these new trees to help provide a robust and sustainable ecosystem in this historic central park.”
The domain is already home to rare trees, such as Obetia ficifolia (Reunion Island bottle tree), and these new additions are likely to appeal to visitors, Cr Simpson says.
Planted near the Wintergarden nursery and recently refurbished band rotunda, the trees will enhance the park’s appeal and align with Auckland Council’s Urban Ngahere Strategy, which aims to increase canopy cover in Tāmaki Makaurau to 30 per cent across urban areas.
