Coastal News: Vandals target trees, loos

DEVASTATED: Considerable force would have been used to break this macadamia nut tree, says Lou Mackwell.

Vandalism of trees appears to be rife in Whangamata and the TCDC's parks and reserves officer Lou Mackwell is angry and upset at the cruelty.

Fruit trees were planted at the Moana Anu Anu reserve, beside the causeway, for the benefit of the community - feijoas, a mix of citrus and macadamia nuts - but vandals seem intent on destroying them.

"We plant smaller trees because they acclimatise better than more mature specimens and because they're cheaper, but unfortunately vandals seem to see them as easy targets for their mindless, stupid behaviour," Mr Mackwell said.

Vandalism of trees - and council facilities - was ongoing and he was considering placing cameras in strategic areas.

"Trees were planted the full length of Ocean Rd 25 years ago and now there's only one left. Trees planted on Williamson Rd have mostly gone too.

"I love trees and want to continue planting them for residents to enjoy. As sections in Whangamata are in-filled, a lot of trees are being chopped down and we need to replace them somehow.

"Some new houses, believe it or not, are being built with their garage accesses directly in front of mature trees like pohutukawas - and of course, they then need to be cut down."

Mr Mackwell said residents had been consulted before trees were planted on verges, to ensure they weren't blocking views or access, which pointed to non-owners destroying the trees.

"We will continue to plant trees - every community needs them.

"As for the toilet blocks, we may have to consider closing them at night and just leaving the Hunt Rd facilities open. We're having pipes smashed and so on.

"We don't want to do it, but I'm fed up with all the damage and cameras may be the answer," Mr Mackwell said. "And the cost for tree replacements and damage to facilities falls back on ratepayers - which doesn't make them happy when their rates go up."