Vandals in four-wheel drives have mowed down 38 pōhutukawa trees on Napier’s Marine Parade. The damage was done overnight on Saturday after the vandals first removed new vehicle barriers in front of the trees.
Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said the council was concerned at the behaviour and said an early estimate to replace the damage came to $20,000. “These trees were planted for our community by the Rotary Club as a gift over the past five years,” she said. “There are lots of community groups who work alongside us to make sure Napier has places and spaces that are beautiful and welcoming, and Rotary is a key partner in projects like this one. It is heartbreaking to see community resources, time and energy treated in this way.
She continued, “The damage was done by people in 4WD vehicles after removing the vehicle barriers and driving over the trees. We will now replace the trees. Our parks’ team is looking closely at the cost to replace them and at how to ensure the trees are kept safe.”
Napier City Council has reported the incident to police. Police have been approached for comment.
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Evidence that it was 4wds please. Mayor is known to tell porkies to push her agenda.
Regardless of who, what, how, why – these people are a pack of vandals and any excuses for them are a load of garbage – the fact is that these trees were destroyed – how or by what type of vehicle is irrelevant – the people who did it are on the lower rungs of intelligent life – and anybody excusing them are on the same rungs
Right Tree Right Place.
Possibly pohukawa don’t qualify for replanting because they achieve vast sizes and have even more vast root systems. Plan B?
FWIW I’d happily volunteer to help replant: given sufficient helpers and saplings, it should only take a few hours. Now’s a good time of year …