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.
![In better health, the pohutukawa tree enhanced the outlook in Cable Bay.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/AXLRGMY7XOTLUMKELFHJZD7GU4.jpg?auth=d1d142315f3f1fffcc32a8d6ede6a870372db20c7b55f927241ac6d27c74c237&width=16&height=25&quality=70&smart=true)
The tree was now almost completely dead.