Media Release
16 November 2005

Reward Offered for Information on Tree Poisoning

Manukau City Council has posted a $2000 reward for information that will lead to the conviction of whoever was responsible for the recent poisoning of protected trees at the Clovelly Esplanade Reserve at Bucklands Beach.

Parks’ Operations team leader Biran Singh said Parks staff are outraged at the wilful damage to the trees which include three Pohutukawa and three Norfolk Island trees.

“We find it hard to comprehend what sort of person would deliberately poison and destroy these beautiful trees and are appealing to the public for information that will help us track down the culprit or culprits responsible for this heinous act.

“This is a classic case of people believing that their individual rights are greater than those of the wider public. In recent years trees on private property have also been poised and this has got to stop”, said Mr Singh.

Anyone who has information can call Council’s twenty-four hour Call Centre phone 262 5104. All information provided will be treated confidentially.

Manukau City Council has recently released a Tree Policy which enables residents to apply for assessments to remove, prune or trim trees to protect their private views. Failure to follow this process can result in prosecution and significant fines.

ENDS

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