Whoever poisoned a pōhutukawa tree in Cable Bay faces not only a fine of up to $300,000 but the wrath of the Doubtless Bay community.
The 3m tree started to look sick and lose its leaves in late January, said Chris Rust, who had a holiday home in Cable Bay.
Closer inspection revealed about half a dozen holes drilled into the trunk, suggesting the tree was deliberately poisoned.
The tree was now almost completely dead.