Tree trimming undertaken by Baker Tree Services started in the Avarua Township last week to “revitalise” the flora landscape, to eliminate any public safety hazards, and to help preserve healthy trees.

According to the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), the extensive year-long flora revitalising, tree planting and maintenance programme is part of the Avarua Town Plan - Te Tau Papa O Avarua, which will move through to the Panama Reserve area.

Baker Tree Services owner Nooroa Baker, a qualified and experienced arborist and former Member of Parliament, said that they are “trimming” the toa (ironwood) trees along the seafront which will help to preserve them.

Baker Tree Services was engaged by CIIC to conduct a detailed and comprehensive stocktake and health assessment of all 506 trees within the Avarua Township through to the Panama Reserve.

Trees have been documented to specify each particular species, size, and Māori (or common) names for each tree.

Baker Tree Services has also assessed what risks each tree may present and has advised the actions necessary for both the safety of the public and to best preserve the health of each tree.

“The preservation of native trees wherever possible is a top priority for CIIC, except where public safety is an issue,” CIIC noted.

The planting of more than 50 new trees and several hundred new plants are being nurtured in Harley Street, Nikao.

Te Tau Papa O Avarua project is funded by the Cook Islands Infrastructure Trust Fund. The Phase 1 of the project which includes infrastructure and landscaping activities, will be carried out in Rarotonga’s main central business district (CBD) between Avarua Wharf and Rarotonga Airport.

The funding for this project, proposed at $7,600,000, is under the New Zealand Infrastructure Trust Fund (ITF). This budget was approved by the ITF steering committee in November 2022.