Mystery surrounds poisoning of Norfolk pines in Napier
Napier City Council says it is at a loss to understand why someone has poisoned ten Norfolk pines planted alongside State Highway 2 between Marine Parade and Awatoto.
The pines, about eight years old, were poisoned a few weeks ago.
The council says it took some time for the effects to be noticed, but drill holes where the poison was inserted into the tree were clearly visible on some of them.
The row of pines on SH2, which includes one of the healthy trees, the size the first planted pines would have been if they had been left alone eight years ago.
The trees had been planted as an extension of the Norfolk pines further up Marine Parade, some of which are well over 150 years old.
“We don’t understand why anyone would want to do this,” says Debra Stewart, Team Leader Parks, Reserves & Sportsgrounds.
“In an area that can often look quite barren, it’s a welcome sight to see a bit of green alongside this main thoroughfare, and this type of tree is an iconic part of Napier.”
This is not the first time trees have been attacked along this stretch of highway. About eight years ago several in virtually the same location were chopped down.
Council staff say the incident is disappointing but unfortunately tree poisonings around the city are not unheard of.
A large liquidambar in Jeffares Place, Taradale, had to be removed recently as it had been poisoned.
The council is asking for anyone with information about who may have poisoned the pines, or anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour related to trees on public land, to get in touch as soon as possible.
