The man, known only as Kurt, has called two trees next to State Highway 6, near the Frankton bus hub, home — during daylight hours — for several years, establishing a walking track around them.
Early yesterday they were felled — another 42 will face the same fate — as part of NZTA’s $250million Queenstown Package, which involves an upgrade to the BP roundabout and expansion of the bus hub.
The trees’ removal enables the Alliance to continue installing stormwater pipes.
An NZTA spokesperson says they’ve been working with agencies, and those who "know best how to support him", and will continue to do so.
"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."
The tree felling’s expected to continue till at least February 7.
