Picture released of alleged tree vandal

Police are appealing for any sightings of a chainsaw-wielding man believed to have hacked down eight pohutukawa trees weeks before flowering.

Auckland Council was called to clean up the carnage on Monday, after the random felling around 6.50pm on Sunday.

The mature miniature pohutukawa trees, growing on council berms along Harbourside Drive in Karaka, were cut down just weeks before their seasonal crimson bloom many associate with the Kiwi holiday season.

The eight native trees were instead strewn across the footpath and road after the wrecking spree.

Police today released an image of the alleged culprit, described as a solidly built European male in his 30s or 40s, with dark hair and a goatee.

He was snapped wearing a black T-shirt, shorts and gumboots with a light coloured chainsaw slung over his shoulder.

Counties Manukau South Police Inspector Tony Wakelin urged anyone who might’ve seen the man on Sunday to get in touch.

“Police are aware that there were a number of families walking on what was a lovely sunny day that were in the area at the same time as this male,” he said.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have seem him or the people he was with to come forward to assist our investigation.

“We are also asking residents to check their CCTV footage to see if this man can be seen.”

Residents believed the alleged offender had been in one of two cars with occupants seen drinking before the felling, Wakelin said earlier.

The man had been seen chopping down trees on the main street with a chainsaw but had disappeared before the police arrived.

Wakelin acknowledged the footage of the man wasn’t very clear but said he hoped someone who knew the man would recognise him and come forward.

The trees were planted around 15 years ago when the suburb beside the Manukau estuary was developed.

Reece Prewett, president of the Karaka Harbourside Community Group, said residents were “shocked and appalled”.

“Our tree-lined streets are much loved by residents — they are part of what makes our community such a beautiful place to live.”

The community was coming together to ensure the trees were replaced, Prewett said.