First flowers for Quay Street pōhutukawa since their dramatic journey home

The first flourish of blazing red flowers is being noticed in Quay Street’s pōhutukawa, says Auckland Council, ushering in the first week of Auckland’s Alert Level 3, step 2. These trees are no ordinary specimens – they have lived interesting lives. Three years ago, seven 40-year-old pōhutukawa were uplifted from Quay Street, keeping them safe and away from large-scale construction on the waterfront site. Councillor Pippa Coom says, “I’m thrilled to see we have our first blooms after the investment we made in saving these trees and returning them to their home on the waterfront.”