STEM Threshold Scores
The following table records a range of STEM™ threshold scores employed by users of the evaluation method. There is no set national threshold promoted by the NZNTT as this is left to each Local Authority to determine what trees are significant in their specific local context. Regional differencess in the quality and notable attributes of tree stock around the country will also vary, therefore a significant tree in Waitaki may score differently to a significant tree in Waikato.
An important note: Direct comparison of STEM™ scores between Local Authorities presents challenges due to several factors. The regional differences in tree stock noted above. The inherent nature of evaluation methods introduces the potential for variation among assessors. There have also been some Councils that have adapted STEM by adding criteria which will result in inlflated scores. Therefore direct comparisons are not advised.
| Carterton | 150 points |
| Dunedin | 145 points |
| Far North | Under review (130 points - Proposed) |
| Gisborne | Unknown |
| Gore | Under review |
| Hamilton | 130 – for the reassessment of existing scheduled trees 120 – for new street/reserve trees to be scheduled |
| Hastings | 160 points OR a minimum of 50 years old AND including a notable attribute |
| Hauraki | 87 points |
| Horowhenua | 150 points |
| Kaipara | 150 under review |
| Kapiti | 140 points |
| Lower Hutt | 120 points |
| Manawatu | 150 points |
| Marlborough | 150 points OR a tree with a local notable attiribute |
| Masterton | None established |
| Matamata-Piako District | 140 points |
| Napier | 180 points |
| Nelson | 100 points |
| Otorohaunga | 160 points |
| Palmerston North | 160 points (adapted STEM) |
| Porirua | 120 points |
| Queenstown-Lakes | 120 points |
| Rangitikei | Unknown |
| Rotorua Lakes | 140 points |
| Selwyn | Unknown |
| South Taranaki | 130 points for native trees 150 points for exotics |
| South Wairarapa | 110 points proposed |
| South Waikato | Unknown |
| Tasman | 120-149 points - Cat C, 150-190 points - Cat B, 190+ points - Cat A. |
| Taupo | 110 points |
| Tauranga | 130 points |
| Thames-Coromandel | 170 points |
| Timaru | 125 points proposed |
| Upper Hutt | 100 points |
| Waikato | 160 points |
| Waimakariri | 90 under review |
| Waipa | 110 points |
| Waitaki | 130 points (proposed) |
| Wellington | 110 points - under review |
| Western Bay of Plenty | 120 points |
| Whakatane | 135 points |
| Whanganui | 150 points - trees with <150 may be protected if they have value to the community |
| Whanagrei | 100 points |
Standard Tree Evaluation Method™ and STEM™ are Trademarks of the New Zealand Notable Trees Trust.