This is a landmark tree in the New Brighton area as it is sited at the entrance to the pier and across the road from the mall (which is currently being redeveloped). A report on the activities of the New Brighton Beautifying Association in 1906 states that ‘The Secretary reported that the new enclosure on the beach north of the pier had been fenced and levelled, and was now ready for planting, and that Mr H.J.C. Jekyll had made a donation of some macrocarpas’ [1]. An historic photo from 1909 shows what could be macrocarpas in this location, so given the availability of the donated plants it seems reasonable to date the planting as circa 1906. This is a little different to a circulating story that the macrocarpa was planted about 1910 by Ted Howard, the father of Mabel Howard, New Zealand’s first woman minister of parliament. There is no information available to back that up. Irrespective of who planted it, the tree it is undeniably an unmissable landmark right on the seaside. It is listed in the Christchurch City Council’s schedule of notable trees and the attention given to the structure at its base (see photos) shows a clear desire to preserve and display its features.
1. ‘News of the day’, Press, 30 June 1906, p. 9.