“I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.”
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
To tell the ‘Emmett Street Trees’ story, I did some research to find out when they were planted, by whom & why their story is an important part of our local history, landscape architecture in NZ, Christchurch the ‘Garden City’ & Shirley’s identity.
Below are four parts to the ‘Emmett Street Trees’ story:
– ‘Emmett Street Trees’ (How did we get here?)
– ‘George Brington Malcolm‘ (Who was G.B. Malcolm?)
– ‘Significant Trees‘ (They were, but now they’re not?)
– ‘Emmett Character Area‘ (Plenty of character, but not an Area?)
Once upon a time there was a dairy farmer named Arthur William Emmett (1846 – 1948). His 100 acre farm (Emmetts Block) in Quinns Road supplied milk to Shirley, Richmond, St Albans and Fendalton.
Emmett’s farm was subdivided for housing in the late 1940s. Part of the land was bought by the government for a state housing area “laid out on modern town-planning lines”.
Emmett Street was named on the 24th June 1948 & first appeared in street directories in 1950.
Macfarlane Park was developed on low-lying land in the Emmett farm not suitable for housing.
It was vested in the Christchurch City Council on the 14th June 1954.
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/PlaceNames/ChristchurchPlaceNames-A-M.pdf Page 174
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/heritage/placenames/christchurchstreetnames-d-e.pdf Page 117
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/early-residents-of-richmond/
In the late 1940s, part of the dairy farm [which spanned from Quinns Road to what is Emmett Street and MacFarlane Park today] was cut into sections for a housing development by order of the Housing Department. This was when Emmett Street was developed – it cut through the dairy farm and was named after Arthur Emmett – Leicester’s father.
Leicester watched them build the state housing – “one side of Emmett Street was developed into privately owned houses and the other into state houses. An area was retained in the centre as a park to service the community, it was named MacFarlane Park after the then Mayor of Christchurch – Don MacFarlane.”
Leicester Emmett’s Story, son of Arthur William Emmett, Page 17
https://www.lucas-associates.co.nz/assets/Document-PDFs/Shirley-Concept-Plan.pdf
Today Emmett Street curves its way through the Shirley suburb, from Shirley Road to Briggs Road, with a canopy of Oak trees.
https://propertysearch.canterburymaps.govt.nz/property?propertyAddress=2%20Emmett%20Street,%20Shirley,%20Christchurch
(Click on ‘Historical imagery’ at the bottom of this link, images from 1940 to today)
Eighteen years ago, as I turned off Shirley Road & drove through Emmett Street for the first time, I can still remember thinking ‘wow, what beautiful Oak trees’…
We shifted to Shirley after seeing Macfarlane Park would be our ‘front yard’ & ‘back yard’, plus having the Shirley Community Centre within walking distance…’what a great place for our son to grow up’.
For eight years, Emmett Street was my favorite street in Shirley to walk & drive through. As a preschooler, my son loved to stomp through the leaves & collected acorn ‘treasures’ to bring back home.
“From little acorns grow mighty oaks” is a 14th century proverb meaning that great things can come from small beginnings, essentially saying that even a tiny acorn can eventually grow into a large and powerful oak tree; it signifies the potential for significant growth from humble origins.
I’m sure many children living in Shirley have been inspired by their acorn ‘treasures’ being able to grow into one of those big Oak trees.
As an adult, these mighty Oak trees were a visual reminder:
– they went through seasons of change
– they struggled but stood strong against the winds
– they weren’t overcome by the many floodings
– they survived earthquakes, aftershocks & liquefication
– they have been part of our Shirley identity & community
But now many of them may be gone…
Emmett Street and Riselaw Street Tree Removals
20th January to 14th February 2025
“17 street trees on Emmett Street (14 due to non-compliance, 3 due to other safety concerns).
The non-compliant trees are located approximately adjacent to property numbers 5, 7, 9(x2), 19, 45, 91, 93, 95, 123/125, 139, 141, 149 and 151.
The additional 3 trees are located at approximately 10/12, 14 and 94.
https://ccc.govt.nz/transport/works-3/show/1677
Like many in our communities, I was unaware this was happening until I saw a post in the R.A.D.S. Facebook community group on the 16th January 2025.
“Hi team, We’ve been advised by the council of work starting on Monday to remove 20 trees along Emmett and Riselaw St due to interference with powerlines. This is the latest in a string of fellings over the past few years that have taken place with no community consultation or engagement whatsoever, and myself and a number of residents are very concerned that council has not been able to provide us with any sort long term plan or vision, or any reassurance that this won’t just keep happening til there aren’t any trees left. We’ll be down at the community garden at Macfarlane park off Jebson st to paint up some Lorax cardboard cut outs to attach to the trees earmarked for removal from 4.30 today to demonstrate to council that we’re not ok with how this has been handled. Media will likely be present, all welcome if you want to show your support.”
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1543729305921005/posts/3742099382750642/ (1st Post by D.T.)
“That is odd that they want to remove the oaks just because of the power line. There are very large oaks on Dudley street nearby that also has power lines – channels for the lines get cut through the trees. There was also new footpath put in last year at great expense and complication to work around the trees to avoid damaging them. even carefully vacuumed the dirt from around the roots when laying pipes to avoid disturbing them.
Why the different standards for Dudley trees vs Emmett/Riselaw trees?” (Comment by J.H.)
“I’m wondering if the tree roots are widely spread, removing the trees and them dying off would have a difference on the flooding around here as the tree roots won’t be helping by sucking up the water? I like the trees even tho my gutters would disagree, it’s so nice to walk down on a hot day to get away from the heat.” (Comment by L.C.)
“Research shows how beneficial trees are to our environment, mental health & wellbeing.”
https://ccc.govt.nz/environment/trees-and-vegetation/urbanforest
(Comment by J.G.)
“Hi team, a quick update on the planned removal of 20 trees along Emmett and Riselaw streets next week. Council have agreed to meet with us tomorrow to discuss our concerns. 3pm, the community garden, Macfarlane Park off Jebson st. All welcome if you would like to contribute, show your support or just listen in.”
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1543729305921005/posts/3742280782732502/ (2nd Post by D.T.)
“This is not right. I didn’t even know that this tree removal was going ahead until this afternoon. Just because alot of us are in state housing doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have our say in what happens in our suburb. These trees are special to us and we would hate for them to be gone.” (Comment by R.A.)
“I brought my home knowing full well it was a tree lined street-part of the beauty and attraction. As for the leaves-a rake or leaf blower soon sorts these and council do regular pick ups in the sucker truck. I commend your efforts to save these beautiful trees and fully support this. Totally agree we have had no consultation. The street will look bare and sad without them for sure.” (Comment by H.O’C.)
“If they take the trees away this area loses its character why are they doing this absolutely disgusting.” (Comment by K.B.)
“I’ve lived here for 35 years I was 5 years old when we came and even though we were moving into a state house in a poor area, I thought we were suddenly rich because of how beautiful the streets looked.
I can’t count how many autumns I spent jumping into leaf piles, then as I got older moaning about them while I raked them up. But I still love them. I love watching the seasons change through the Oak I see from the bedroom window. I think it would be a more boring area without them.” (Comment by K.B.)
“My dog and I appreciate the shade we get from the sun when out walking and they are beautiful and needed in so many ways.”
(Comment by I.K.B.)
“Move the f@&#ing power lines! Some things are more important for our wellbeing and standard of living. This ‘cost saving’ will kill us all.” (Comment by J.K.)
On the 18th January 2025, Reuben Davidson MP for Christchurch East’s Facebook post.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14WWbotKSQ/
“RIP garden city. CCC have already taken too many trees away.” (Comment by A.R.)
“That’d be criminal the trees are awesome.” (Comment by R.M.)
“There was a pre quake time when tourist came to Christchurch to look at the mature trees…St James Park has an outstanding Avenue of mature linden trees that those tourists from Europe, USA and Asia would marvel over. They would touch the trunks of the WWII Oaks, they would walk the 15 Memorial Avenues, they visited Emmett Street…Disease has ripped these trees out in their countries. Many USA veterans returned for ANZAC after learning the history bringing other veterans with them. (Comment by M.H.)
“The Emmett St trees are iconic, and a rarity in the east. As with the Linwood Ave trees. We definitely need to be very sensitive about how important and rare such large trees are in our part of town, and be clear about protecting them. Obviously some do have to come down, but it should always be after good community consultation. Glad to see the council staff acknowledging they got that bit wrong, and that they will work more closely with the community now.” (Comment by A.O.E)
“But the roots of those Oaks, paid for by the State Advances corporation at £1 per tree, have held the road and the surrounding land levels intact during the earthquakes. No better ground stabilization than mature tree roots.” (Comment by M.H.)
Another post in the R.A.D.S. Facebook community group about the ‘Emmett Street Trees’ on the 20th January 2025.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1543729305921005/posts/3745016799125567
“So who is going to pay for all the repairs that for the damages these trees are causing…oh wait all the ppl complaining are in state housing…maybe they should pay for the repairs from the damage of the trees if they want them saved that much.” (Comment by G.S.)
“G.S. It’s a lot less costly than climate change. These trees are storing carbon, when you chop them down the carbon is released into the atmosphere. Not to mention we could do with their oxygen making properties…” (Comment by E.V.Z.)
“G.S. you aren’t wrong there, almost half of the houses in the area are state houses.” (Comment by J.S.)
“J.S. what’s a lot of social housing in the area got to do with the trees?” (Comment by V.A.)
“G.S. another way to think about this. Reckon they’d do this to the tree lined streets in beckenham or merivale? I think they’d underground the lines before trying it somewhere else.” (Comment by N.R.)
‘Symbolic’ Trees Spared As Council Postpones Removal From Emmett and Riselaw Streets, 17th January 2025
“The Christchurch City Council has paused its plans to remove 20 large trees from Emmett and Riselaw Streets following opposition from residents.”
https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/symbolic-trees-spared-as-council-postpones-removal-from-emmett-and-riselaw-streets/
Christchurch Residents Rally With Lorax Cut-outs To Fight Council’s Tree-Felling Plan, 20th January 2025
“A plan to fell 20 oak trees, which some locals say would “gut the character” of a Christchurch street, has been postponed following community opposition.”
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360548899/christchurch-residents-rally-fight-councils-tree-felling-plan
20 Trees Live To See Another Day After Positive Community Meeting, 20th January 2025
“Work to remove 20 large trees in two Mairehau streets has been postponed after community and elected member feedback.”
“The first elected members knew of these trees being removed was on January 9th when a Start Work Notice (SWN) was sent to the community board telling us the work would start on January 20th.
When [Innes ward community member, Ali] Jones requested more information, the board members were sent a CCC memo dated November 11, 2024 outlining the works with much more detail.”
https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=126689
Yet in the Christchurch City Council Information Session/Workshop on the 29th October 2024 for the Annual Plan 2025-2026 Briefing:
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2024/10/ISCC_20241029_MAT_10002.PDF
– Page 16: Street Trees – Electrical Compliance
Focus on working with Orion to achieve 100% compliance.
To date approx. 190 trees (from original 850) left to resolve.
An example is the significant work in Emmett Street – may require the removal of several trees.
[The Start Work Notice (SWN) for 17 trees, is a lot more than ‘several trees’]
Re-phasing of opex budgets may be required.
Also see:
– Page 14: Street Trees – budgets
Opex – approx $2.6m + $0.65m for powerline compliance project.
Capex – approx $0.53m.
– Page 17: Street Trees – Urban Forest
Replacement trees:
Currently 2 for 1 replacement
New trees:
Currently no initiatives for new planting to increase canopy cover within the Transport corridor 15% over 50 years in line with plan.
– Page 32: Street Trees – Electrical Compliance
To date approx. 190 trees (from original 850) left to resolve.
This involves: Localised pruning, Tree removal, Modification to the electrical network
An example is the significant work in Emmett Street which may require the removal of several trees.
Future re-phasing of opex budgets may be required to ensure compliance.
– Page 31: Healthy Streets
https://www.healthystreets.com/what-is-healthy-streets
The 10 Healthy Streets Indicators
Our Approach is based on 10 evidence based Healthy Streets Indicators, each describing an aspect of the human experience of being on streets. These ten must be prioritised and balanced to improve social, economic and environmental sustainability through how our streets are designed and managed.
See: 3. Shade and shelter & 10. Clean air
When I asked Google “what difference do trees make“, AI Overview gave me this response:
1. Air quality: Trees remove harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide and particulate matter from the air, making it easier to breathe
2. Water quality: Trees filter water and reduce flooding by absorbing excess water and reducing runoff
3. Climate change: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change
4. Mental health: Spending time in nature can reduce anxiety and depression
5. Habitat: Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife
6. Energy savings: Trees can reduce the need for air conditioning and heating, and regulate indoor temperatures
7. Community benefits: Trees can improve walkability, reduce traffic noise, and stormwater runoff
8. Property value: Trees can increase the value of properties
Residents on flood-stricken Christchurch street feel forgotten – ‘it looked like Lake Emmett’, 27th July 2022
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129394267/residents-on-floodstricken-christchurch-street-feel-forgotten–it-looked-like-lake-emmett
“Residents on one of Christchurch’s most flooded streets say they’ve been left to fend for themselves with no sign of help or support. Emmett St in Shirley is one of the city’s most commonly affected areas by flood whenever it rains.”
“Gleeson didn’t know if anything was being done to mitigate flooding on the street. “If it was in Fendalton it’d be sorted the next day… where are our rates going?””
Christchurch flooding: Investment in infrastructure needed – ECan councillor, 28th July 2022
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-christchurch/christchurch-flooding-investment-infrastructure-needed-ecan-councillor
“Environment Canterbury councillor Vicky Southworth said the sting felt by locals from this week’s flooding is only a hint of what’s to come. “We’re going be dealing with more frequent and more intense rainfall, the science is very clear on that.
There are various solutions, and they’re not being particularly pushed…
Even just simply putting more trees into our gardens. Trees are a fantastic way of catching rain before it hits the ground.”
Q. What affect will removing 17 Oak Trees on Emmett Street, have on the flooding levels in this area?
Christchurch City Council is there a plan in place?
How is this going to be mitigated to protect Shirley residents homes?
Slow grow: Christchurch’s urban forest will take decades to form, 10th February 2023
https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/131175634/slow-grow-christchurchs-urban-forest-will-take-decades-to-form
“An ambitious proposal to cloak one-fifth of Christchurch in trees by 2070 recommends doubling the proportion of tree-lined streets and tripling tree numbers along the city’s rivers and streams…how to grow the Garden City’s “tree canopy” – defined as trees 3.5m and higher and measured by an aerial surveys.”
“The plan isn’t to compel owners to plant trees capable of reaching 3.5m or more. Rather, the plan is to plant public land much more intensively.
The tree canopy in public “open spaces” is about 23% now.
They want it to be 40% by 2070.”
“The plan also addresses ‘equitable tree coverage’. Basically, rich ‘leafy suburbs’ aren’t a myth…They are missing out on the many benefits of a tree canopy – more shade, lower temperatures, fewer pollutants, more biodiversity, less erosion, more climate change resilience, and better physical and mental health.”
“Shirley isn’t a flash part of town and we need things in this community to be proud of. And sometimes it feels like the trees are all we’ve got.“
Dominic McGurk
Q. So who had the vision to planted these Oak trees in Shirley & why?
A. George Brington Malcolm