Destruction upsets

Vandalism of native trees along a walkway to a popular lookout has upset residents of Kerikeri’s Opito Bay. Up to 20 red matipo, or māpou, trees were pulled up or broken off near ground level overnight on November 12-13. Residents heard what they described as a “rowdy group” descending Akeake Historic Reserve Track late at night and discovered the damage the following morning. Ray Wiblin, of Kerikeri, said the “wanton destruction” had angered residents. “Local conservationists spend so much of their spare time controlling predators, repairing the tracks and looking after the resident kiwi population, so it’s disheartening to see this sort of activity taking place.” DoC Bay of Islands operations manager Bronwyn Bauer-Hunt said staff had inspected the track earlier this week and “tidied up” 10 young māpou that had been hacked down or snapped off. Anyone who can identify the group responsible is urged to call police on 105.