A driveway at Ōtarawairere was completely blocked by a massive fallen tree over the Easter weekend.

A macrocarpa growing on a Whakatāne District Council-owned water reservoir site on Kōhi Point Lookout Road was a casualty of strong winds at the beginning of the weekend.

The tree remained across the driveway over the weekend and was cleared by council contractors on Wednesday.

A neighbour of the affected property said that no one was injured and, luckily, the resident’s vehicle had been off the property at the time. This meant they were able to access their home on foot through his property.

The council’s Three Waters manager Jim Finlay said staff conducted a site visit on Tuesday and a contractor was arranged to remove the tree and assess any damage caused.

“The contractor completed all work by 5pm Wednesday, including cutting and removing the fallen tree, trimming an adjacent tree, and clearing all debris.”

Photo Diane McCarthy E5371-01