“But also they know they shouldn’t have been doing it.”Hills explained that the company for which the individual worked is contracted on a fixed fee to ensure the tree stays alive. “Sometimes, under the contract expectations, if rainfall is not heavy, so even in ‘light’ summer rain, trees will still be watered to ensure water reaches the root system, giving the new trees a better chance of survival. “There are sometimes even pipes to the roots to ensure this is done.”The Auckland Council contractor was filmed watering a tree during heavy rainfall. The footage showed a mistake had been made, and all crews had now been reminded of procedures during heavy rainfall. Multiple areas went into states of emergency, while floodwaters cut off towns, shut off power for thousands and closed highways.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 22, 2026 04:21 UTC