NZTA says support available as Kurt's trees get cut down

A well-known homeless man living under trees on State Highway 6 was informed before his “home’ was felled as part of a controversial $250 million Queenstown roading project earlier this week, the New Zealand Transport Agency says.

“The trees are being removed to make room for new stormwater pipes as part of the SH6/6A Frankton Intersection and Bus Hub Improvements,” a NZTA spokesperson said.

“The new stormwater pipes are being installed to catch the water run-off from the new Bus Hub and shelters, and from the future State Highway 6 Kawarau Road layout.”

The spokesperson said the agency had been working with the man, known as Kurt for sometime.

“We are working closely with social services and the people who know best how to support him before, during and after the tree removal.

“Through those agencies we have been keeping him up to date with our plans and he has known for some time that unfortunately these trees will need to be removed to make room for a new stormwater pipe, wastewater pipe and shared use path.

"Help is on hand for him while we complete this work."

The project would continue to replant natives in place of the felled trees.

“We work closely with Queenstown Lakes District Council to make sure that our tree removal is in line with Council’s tree policy, including that for every one tree removed from QLDC property, two trees (mainly natives) will be replanted.

“We’re also working with local organisations and revegetation programmes such as Whakatipu Reforestation Trust so the community and environment can benefit.”

The $250-million-project is a Road of Regional Significance project being delivered through the Kā Huanui a Tāhuna Alliance in partnership with Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Main Image: Kurt seemed distressed today at the Frankton bus hub but had no comment to make.