Farmers on trail of mystery tree feller
A totara tree that had stood for at least 50 years was cut down without permission on Lansdowne Rd in Waharoa last week.
It appears the offenders used a key to gain access through a Rangeview Speedway gate some time between the morning of Tuesday, April 24 and Anzac Day.
The native tree was on the property of farmer Keith Buckley who said it was there when he bought the land 50 years ago.
‘‘I’m a bit annoyed they didn’t ask for permission. No-one has come and asked me if they can cut it down,’’ said Mr Buckley.
The tree had been cut down with a chainsaw and the branches had been cut up and neatly stacked into three piles. Tyre tracks suggested that a trailer load of wood had been taken.
Mr Buckley’s son Kevin said they suspected it was cut down for firewood and that the culprit had planned to return for the rest.
‘‘Why else would they stack it all up like that? The thing is, if they had just asked for permission we probably would have let them cut down another tree on the property. They didn’t need to cut down one of our natives.’’
The incident has been reported to the police and the offender could be charged with wilful damage and face a fine. Mr Buckley is asking anyone with information to contact police on 888 7117.