Vandals have once again attacked and felled native trees on Southland District Council (SDC) scenic reserve land at Manapouri.

Trees around the Fiordland town's flying fox, which overlooks Lake Manapouri, were illegally chopped down on Monday 5th June.

Stumps are all that remain of native trees illegally felled in Manapouri. Photo: SDC/Facebook

SDC councillor Sarah Greaney said it was really disappointing and sad.

"It doesn't seem to be of any real benefit to anybody."

Greaney said since a similar incident in February there had been a community drop in session (24th May), which was attended by Police, and where everyone was reminded that such actions were a criminal offence.

"Whoever is doing this is flying in the face of both Police and of council," Greaney said.

"I really don't know what the motivation is, other than it's now become something that is malicious, as opposed to necessarily wanting to improve somebody's view."

"I think the whole community board is just shaking it's head, as are some of the residents of Manapouri."

"At this point I don't know what the solution is, but it's very frustrating, given that the cost will get passed on to the ratepayers."

"It just seems very strange that they haven't been heard, whoever the perpetrators are," Greaney said.

Greaney said Police had been informed about the latest incident

However she admitted that as far as she was aware Police had not been able to identify anybody from the earlier vandalism.

Native trees on the terrace above Lake Manapouri's Frasers Beach have been the target of vandals on several occasions over the years.

On 25th February this year, residents were left dumbfounded after several mature native trees were felled in the same spot.

And in 2010 up to 30 trees in the same area were poisoned.

Contractors have now cleared away the latest downed trees, giving some to locals in need, while the excess has been chipped and used locally.