Reserve vandalism disappointing

Vandalised trees and shrubs have turned the Pacific Parade dune reserve into an eyesore.  Photos: Supplied

The deliberate destruction of trees and shrubs on dune reserve land at Coastlands has left Whakatāne District Council staff frustrated and disappointed.

The strip of mature native and coastal vegetation adjacent to Pacific Parade has been “systematically poisoned orfelled” over a period of weeks, according to the Council’s Reserves Technical Advisor, Fiona Hennessey.

“These plants serve a number of purposes, including helping to stabilise the dune system, providing a habitat forcoastal flora and fauna and creating a buffer between the residential area and the beach,” she says. “It’s not easy toget plants established in the coastal environment, so having years of growth wrecked by a selfish act of vandalism likethis is really disappointing.”

The Council has written to all residents in the area seeking information about the damage. If those responsible can beidentified, the matter may be referred to the Police.

“The dune reserve will be replanted at some stage and the cost to ratepayers of clearing away the dead vegetation andplanting suitable new shrubs is likely to be in the order of $5,000,” Ms Hennessey says. “Unfortunately, the area will bea bit of an eyesore in the meantime.”

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