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Tree Information x

Identifier: MWR/G1896
Tree Type: Group
Registered By: Lloyd, M.
Registration Category: Historic tree/s – Local interest
General Notes:
In the 1940s the Levin and District Beautifying Society planted many trees around Levin, including this double avenue of Phoenix palms in the Levin domain. On Arbor Day, August 6 1947, the Mayor of Levin and his wife – Mr and Mrs Burdekin - planted the first two, then the remaining 10 were planted by children from the 3 local schools [1]. At the time the domain had a grandstand, rugby and cricket fields according to season, but not much else. It was also grazed, explaining why a 1947 aerial photo shows only protective boxes where the palms were planted. But as the 1958 aerial photo shows [2], the palms thrived, becoming such a well-known feature that a decorative gate with palm symbols was added. In the mid-1990s funds were raised for building a modern aquatic centre, and as can be seen from the photos below this meant the removal of one of the original 12 palms. A new playground was also added close to the palms, and even though the removal of the original grandstand means there is no longer a directive avenue effect, the palms are very noticeable. They are in very good condition, probably being the oldest Phoenix palms in Levin.
Acknowledgement: Thanks to Kevin Miles and the Horowhenua Historical Society, Levin.
References:
1. ‘Arbor day in Levin’ Horowhenua Chronicle, August 4, 1947.
2. National Library, WA-48589, Whites Aviation Ltd, 1958, PA-Group-00080.

Group Details

Group Type: Single species
Feature Tree Genus: Phoenix
Feature Tree Species: canariensis
Feature Tree Common Names: Canary Island date palm, phoenix palm
QE II Covenanted: No
NZ Indigenous Bush type: Default Value
Actual Planting Date: Aug 1947
Approx. Planting Date:
e.g. circa. 1860
Current Age: 77 years
Tree Health Description: excellent
Local Protection Status: No
Tree Present: Yes
Number of Trees: 11
Area Covered: 150 metres
Group of Tree Type: Amenity Planting

Observations

Date Observer Action
02 Jun 2023 Lloyd, M.

Location

Lat/Long: -40.62092554052365 / 175.28340744972232
Location Name: Levin Domain
Address: Cnr. Queen & Salisbury Streets
Suburb:
City/Town: Levin
Region: Manawatu
Location Description: At the corner of Salisbury St and Queens St West.
Public Accessibility: Local Council Park
Local Authority: Horowhenua District Council

Images

Preview Credit Date
Michael Lloyd 02 Jun 2023
Michael Lloyd 02 Jun 2023
Michael Lloyd 02 Jun 2023
Whites Aviation 24 Jun 1958
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