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Friends of Pukekura Park
Friends of Pukekura Park president Adrienne Tatham approaches a puriri tree in Brookland Park believed to be 2000 years old. Photo: Supplied / Friends of Pukekura Park
This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission A watchdog group says New Plymouth s Brooklands and Pukekura parks are paying a heavy price for their popularity and it is calling for boardwalks to protect ancient pukatea trees in the reserve. The Friends of Pukekura Park say the roots of the swamp-dwelling pukatea - which need to be aerated - are being trampled under the feet of the thousands of visitors to the park, which includes the famous concert venue - the Bowl of Brooklands.