An Auckland Council contractor received "threatening phone calls and messages" after poisoned birds were found in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park - but tests showed the contractor wasn't to blame.
The birds, including a myna, pukeko and sparrow were found by locals in an unwell and distressed condition over the weekend. Some of the birds had died.
Contact details of Feracon, the council contractor that carries out possum control in the area, were then posted publicly on a community Facebook group.
The contractor began receiving threatening calls and messages.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board chairman Greg Presland said the poisoning of the birds was "absolutely horrific" but it was no excuse for the abusive behaviour toward the contractor.