An American businessman ordered to pay $7200 in reparation for cutting down protected native trees near Kaiteriteri without permission can now be named.
Name suppression lapsed last week for retired property developer Alan Trent, who cut down five black beech trees and cleared smaller vegetation from Toko Ngawa Point Marginal Strip, an area of public conservation land next to his property.
DOC was alerted to the felled trees on 8 July 2024 and sent a ranger to the site that day. The felled beech tree stumps ranged from 15 to 40cm diameter and were all within 15m of Mr Trent’s boundary.
He later admitted to DOC rangers he had cut down the trees, claiming he received permission to fell the trees several years ago. DOC staff maintain the department never gave Mr Trent permission to fell trees on the marginal strip and sent him a letter in 2010 outlining the need for DOC approval before removing any vegetation.
In the finish, Mr Trent pleaded guilty to the charges brought by DOC, but sought a discharge without conviction, which was granted by Judge Snell in the Nelson District Court on 4 June. Although he was discharged without conviction, Mr Trent was ordered to pay $7200 in reparation to DOC and $5000 to DOC in costs.
Mr Trent had previously received infringement notices from the Tasman District Council for removing vegetation without resource consent.
DOC Motueka Principal Biodiversity Ranger Helen Otley says the case is a reminder people can’t cut down or take native trees or plants from conservation areas.
“Native trees provide food and shelter for native birds and insects, sequester carbon and help stabilise slopes; they are an important part of New Zealand’s ecosystem. The look and feeling of being out in our native bush is important for people enjoying the outdoors.
“These trees were cut down in a really visible area where people go to enjoy the natural environment.”
Helen says DOC takes this sort of incident very seriously and will investigate reports of trees and plants being cut down or taken unlawfully.
“If you’re out naturing on conservation land and see trees which are cut down when they shouldn’t have been, please call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). An exact location and photographs are extremely helpful if possible.”
Black beech is one of five beech tree species found in New Zealand. They are found in lowland areas of the North Island and northern South Island.
New Zealand has strong conservation laws to protect our native species – some of them quite specific – about what can and cannot be done on conservation land and waters. We want future generations to enjoy these wonderful creatures and landscapes. It is important people follow the rules designed to protect our wildlife and respect our special places.
Most people enjoy and experience nature and our beautiful taonga by doing the right thing – and we really appreciate that. Follow the rules, and we’ll be happy – and you’ll have a great experience naturing.
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
