Pōhutukawa trees on Coromandel beach 'drilled and poisoned'

An investigation is underway after two pōhutukawa trees alongside a popular beach in the Coromandel were "illegally poisoned", the Department of Conservation says. The coastal trees, located on the Hahei Beach Marginal Strip, were found with "clear evidence of drill and fill holes around the base", DOC said today. DOC said Aotearoa's unofficial Christmas tree was more than a hallmark of our summer landscape, adding that they also served as "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. "Just as importantly, their strong, interlocking root systems help stabilise coastal soils, dunes and cliffs, protecting them from wind and wave erosion. "Please help us protect these special coastal trees." Damaging, poisoning or destroying native vegetation on public conservation land is a serious offence which can lead to fines of up to $300,000. Anyone with information was urged to contact DOC on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468), quoting reference number CLE-12213.