The Kāpiti Coast District Council has decided to cut back an 80-year-old hedge in Waikanae, saying it is putting public safety at risk.

Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

The macrocarpa hedge on Te Moana Road was planted by Vincent Osborne's grandfather in the 1930s, and has been in his family for four generations.

Mr Osborne and the council have been in disagreement about it since the beginning of the year.

The owners had until the end of May to cut the hedge back, but the council has said it will now trim it to behind the kerb.

It said the hedge restricted drivers' visibility and access to a bus stop.