No motive behind tree attack
A large 20-year-old pin oak tree with sentimental value to its owner has fallen victim to what can only be assumed a malicious act at Waikato Stud.
While Waikato Stud owner Mark Chittick and a number of his staff were at the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Sales, a tall pin oak tree had been sawed through near the base and left on the roadside.
It was one of 20 trees that boarder the stud on Tower Rd, in Matamata.
Each tree was big enough that the branches nearly touched, leaving a large obvious gap.
What makes the act of vandalism even more hurtful is the trees were planted as a project overseen by Chittick’s late wife Lisa.
Lisa Chittick, well known for her love of trees, died in 2014.
The ailing oaks were moved from another area of the farm to the road frontage, where they thrived and became an iconic sight along Tower Rd.
Chittick said the trees were not only enjoyed by the community, but also the national and international visitors to the stud.
‘‘Waikato Stud is known for its beautiful trees,’’ said Chittick.
‘‘It really made a difference to the front appearance of the property.
‘‘That line certainly has that extra bit of sentiment.’’
The tree was standing at 4.30pm when a Waikato Stud staff member left the property, but was spotted felled by another staff member at 4.50pm.
Chittick believed the tree was felled by someone who knew how to handle a chainsaw and it would have been done quickly.
He believed it was possible the people or person responsible may have known a large number of the staff were away at the national sales at the time.
It was cut carefully so it didn’t go over the fence onto the property, or onto the road and no wood was taken.
This lead him to believe it may have been done maliciously, but he didn’t know what would have motivated the would-be chopper.
‘‘That’s the upsetting thing, 20 years of effort into growing beautiful trees and someone cuts it down.
‘‘Why would anyone want to do that?’’