Vandals hack down century-old Nikau palms

Vandals have hacked down 10 Nikau palm trees in a protected kohekohe-tawa forest between Waikanae and Paraparaumu.

The privately-owned forest in Aston Road is protected by a Department of Conservation covenant under the Reserves Act and also under the Resource Management Act (RMA), so the vandalism is a criminal offence and is being investigated by Council.

"From what we can see, the 100+ year-old trees were hacked down by an axe or machete," says Council's Resource Consents & Compliance Manager, Andrew Guerin.

"This is a senseless act and it's hard to believe anyone would actually destroy these lovely old trees for no reason whatsoever."

Anyone who knows any information about the incident or has seen any suspicious behaviour relating to it is urged to contact Council's RMA Compliance Officer, Paul Busing on 296 4745.