Save The Ladies-Mile Trees group has a sworn affidavit from the man who planted them back in 1976 - retired farmer Russell Jones.
Aurora Energy wants to remove the 29 trees, on private land off Frankton Ladies-Mile road, because they are growing into the powerlines.
The company baulked at Queenstown Lakes District Council suggestions it pay half of the $1 million cost of laying the lines under-ground. One of its arguments was the original powerlines were installed in 1962, before the trees in 1966.
But Mr Jones, who owned the land in the 1970s, said that was not the case.
He planted the trees in 1976 to provide shelter and shade for livestock and enhance the natural beauty of the area, he said.
"At that time the powerlines were on poles placed hard up against the bitumen surface of the road.''
Mr Jones said about 12 years after that, the Otago Central Electric Power Board approached him about moving the poles and lines due to the increasing speed and volume of traffic.
"As moving the poles was sensible, and presuming the board had authority under the law, I raised no objection.''
He said the board chose the position.
Aurora declined to comment.
The future of the trees is now uncertain. Mayor Vanessa van Uden, in the council's annual plan, said the council had "moved away'' from the idea of contributing funds to put the lines underground.
"We will be taking a long-term view of the Ladies Mile area, including the trees, through a master plan,'' Ms Van Uden said.
Developers have suggested special housing areas nearby.
