Alleged vandalism behind damaged new tree plantings in Gisborne

One of the new tree plantings that were vandalised on Chalmers Rd in Gisborne. Gisborne District Council says the incident has been reported to police. Photo / Wynsley Wrigley

Vandals are thought to be behind damage caused to new tree plantings along a Gisborne street.

A Gisborne District Council spokeswoman said the council was aware 10 new trees on Chalmers Rd had been vandalised to varying degrees.

The alleged vandalism appeared to be an ongoing problem, she said.

A Gisborne Herald reporter saw new trees along the grass verge on the side of the street closer towards the town centre had been stripped bare of leaves and, in some cases, branches.

The council spokeswoman said the council would keep an eye on the trees to see if they regrew before deciding whether to replace them.

“Seven out of the 10 have been snapped in half,” the spokeswoman said.

The council had leads on who vandalised the trees but would prefer not to comment at this stage and intended to report the matter to the police, she said.