Auckland Council is warning people against cutting down trees without contacting it, despite changes to the Resource Management Act that mean most trees on private properties are no longer protected.
Under the changes, which come into effect on Friday, the blanket tree protection in urban areas has been lifted.
The council's general manager of plans and places, Penny Pirrit, said there were exceptions, including notable trees, trees in reserves, and any area with a conservation management plan.
She is urging Aucklanders to check before they fell or damage a protected tree, to avoid enforcement action.
