Some of the hundreds of trees poisoned in Tuatapere pictured in December 2022. Photo: Anne Horrell
A Southland man has been charged following the deliberate poisoning of more than 200 trees in a public reserve.
Ōtautau Sergeant Chris Maguire said the trees were planted to initially beautify the area in Tuatapere.
"Long-term, it was intended any proceeds from their eventual harvesting would be used to benefit the community," he said in a statement.
In December last year Tuatapere Community Board chairperson Anne Horrell said that most of the 270 pine trees on council land in a plantation in the town were yellow and dying after being poisoned.
A 54-year-old Tuatapere resident has been charged with criminal damage.
Maguire said an investigation led to a search warrant being executed and evidence was discovered.
When the man was subsequently interviewed, he made full admissions to the poisoning, he said.
The man is due to appear in Invercargill District Court on 28 February 2023.