Community support key to deterring cabbage tree poisoner

Twenty four tī Kōuka (cabbage trees) deliberately poisoned on the Christchurch Coastal Pathway three years ago will be replaced later this month after a successful community fundraising campaign.

The trees were planted along the causeway section of the pathway but were found dying in 2018 after being intentionally poisoned.  

St Martins resident and tī Kōuka fan Oliver Lewis says he was “stoked” at the level of community support after a Givealittle page he set up to buy replacement trees exceeded the fundraising goal of $633.60 in just four hours. The page raised $778 in total.

Both Mayor Lianne Dalziel and Heathcote ward Councillor Sara Templeton contributed to the page and Mr Lewis says he was “delighted” they’d thrown their weight behind the campaign.

Cr Templeton says the level of public support was heartening and remains hopeful the community funding and ‘sponsorship’ of trees would show the poisoner that the trees were loved by many.

“I personally think that they’re beautiful trees and I’m really hopeful the community buy-in and involvement in funding and planting them will stop anyone trying something like that again.”

While the “indestructibility” of tī Kōuka leaves could be a bit annoying Mr Lewis had “zero sympathy” for the poisoner.

“It was a petty and disgraceful thing to kill trees in the public domain.”

The 24 replacement tī Kōuka will mean the original planting design along the causeway will be restored.

A working bee is being held to reinstate the tī Kōuka along Main Rd and plant several hundred other natives along Beachville Rd at 10am on Sunday 20 June.