Site of tragic death in Hagley Park reopens to public

Christchurch City Council has advised that following the tragic death last week of arborist Maximilian Freudenberg in Hagley Park, the site has now reopened to the public.

Treetech Specialist Treecare aborist Freudenberg, believed to have been in his 30s, was working in the branches of the tree when it fell.

Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge says this tragic accident has had a profound effect on everyone who knew Freudenberg and shared “First and foremost our thoughts go out to Max’s friends and family. No-one wants to farewell a son and father at such a young age.  His tragic death has also had such a huge impact on all his arborist friends and colleagues.

“The site has now been cleared and after today’s blessing it can be returned to the wider public for normal use.”

Rutledge advised that Council would be making no further comment regarding the accident while a WorkSafe investigation is underway.

Representatives from Ngāi Tūāhuriri conducted a whakamoemiti/karakia to bless the site which was attended by Treetech whānau and Christchurch City Council staff.

Chas Kent, from Christchurch company Total Trees said many arborists knew Freudenberg and said the accident was a “tragic circumstance”.

The New Zealand Arboricultural Association (NZ Arb) said it was deeply saddened by the news of the tragedy.

As reported by New Zealand website Stuff, the tree in question was at least 20 metres high, and the exposed base of the fallen trunk appeared to show it was partly hollow and had few roots. The hole in the ground where the tree had stood appeared to be shallow with very few roots.