Investigation launched after pōhutukawa trees poisoned

Two pōhutukawa trees have been illegally poisoned in the Coromandel, the Department of Conservation says.

There was clear evidence of drill holes around the base of the trees at Hahei Beach Marginal Strip, Hauraki-Coromandel DoC staff wrote in a post on Facebook.

An investigation was underway.

"Pōhutukawa are iconic coastal trees, often celebrated as Aotearoa's unofficial Christmas tree. But they are much more than a beautiful part of our summer landscape, they are important coastal ecosystems in their own right.

"Their flowers provide nectar for tūī, bellbirds and geckos, while their trunks, bark and canopy offer habitat for birds, insects and spiders. A diverse community of native insects depends on pōhutukawa, and the leaf litter beneath them supports hardy native snails adapted to life along the coast. Shags and white-faced herons often nest or roost in pōhutukawa," staff wrote.

The trees' root systems helped to stabilise coastal soils, dunes and cliffs.

Damaging, poisoning or destroying native vegetation on public conservation land is a serious offence, which can result in penalties including fines of up to $300,000.

DoC staff are asking anyone with information about who may be responsible to contact them and quote the reference number: CLE-12213.

"Please help us protect these special coastal trees," they said.