28 LISTENER MARCH 7 2020
I
f I had a favourite tree, it’s the ancient pūriri
standing massively in a canopy of forest on
Waiheke Island. Miraculously spared the
axe during the tragic kauri cutover of more
than a hundred years ago, this pūriri has
often had me leaning against its gnarled
length, gazing up at the leaves that were
once sprinkled with ash from Rangitoto’seruption some 550 years ago.
Iwi would have appreciated this tree, and
Captain Cook would’ve seen those same towering
branches as he cruised the Waiheke coastline in- It’s remarkable to think what this tree has
lived through, how many other people have leant
against it, drifted their hands across its trunk and
sought its shelter. This tree, all trees, are natural
historians, keepers of our past – but they are also
vital guardians of our future.
The iconic pōhutukawa is a beacon of our Kiwi
summer. The most prized real estate on the beach,
these magnifi-
cent trees signal
us with their red
flags, welcom-
ing us into their
shelter. In those
moments – safe
under their huge
arms – we are
grateful for trees;
SHELTER
FROM
THE
STORM
We need to appreciate trees not only for their
beauty and as providers of welcome shade but
also for their vital climate role – but time is
fast running out. by SIR ROB FENWICK ● photograph by PETER REES
TREASURING TREES
Sir Rob Fenwick (68) on
February 23. Left, with his
favourite tree – an ancient
pūriri on Waiheke Island.