Karaka Christmas tree massacre: man arrested

A man is scheduled to appear in court for allegedly cutting down Pohutukawa trees that line a street in Karaka.

Police say a 40-year-old man was arrested and charged with criminal mischief for allegedly cutting down the eight fully grown miniature native Christmas trees.

Residents were distraught after they discovered that trees were cut by a chainsaw and strewn across the Harborside Dr.

Neighbors in the quiet street area heard the sound of a chainsaw Sunday night, but believed municipal workers had been instructed to cut down the trees.

Manukau South Counties Acting Area Commander Inspector Rod Honan said the man was arrested in Manukau today.

He commended the community for their help.

“The arrest is the result of the community’s collaboration to provide evidence to identify the alleged offender and recover the chainsaw used in the crime,” he said.

The man was expected to appear in Manukau District Court today or tomorrow.