In a suspected poisoning, a series of dead and dying trees - all with tell-tale bore holes into their bases - have been discovered on a popular Te Anau lakefront walkway.

Bore holes are clearly visible around the base of the affected trees. Photo: Southland App

The four mature silver birch trees, all near the town's main public boat ramp on Te Anau Terrace, are part of a row of bluegum, kowhai and chestnut trees that follow the lake's urban foreshore.

Fiordland is no stranger to public tree vandalism with 30 lakefront trees poisoned at Manapouri in 2010 and several trees illegally felled in 2023.

While Police have been notified about this latest incident, nobody has ever been charged in connection with the Manapouri incidents.

The poisoned trees near Te Anau's main public boat ramp. Photo: Southland App

Fiordland Community Board chair Diane Holmes said a member of the public had drawn the trees and holes to her attention on Friday (23 Feb).

"I'm disappointed."

"It's always bad when one person takes the law into their own hands to improve a view or whatever's motivating them to do so," Holmes said.

Holmes said the trees had been assessed in 2023 and none had been at the end of their life.

"There's [also] been lots of opportunity for consultation [on the Te Anau Basin Development Plan] with people to tell us if they wanted the trees there or not, so we could make a strategic plan for the future. And what we do in the way of gardens and structures, and usage of our lakefront," Holmes said.

Te Anau Basin Development Plan, currently being finalised by the Southland District Council, is a document detailing the urban development required to support the tourist town's growth into the future.

Te Anau Terrace resident Lynn Bromwick said she thought the tree poisoning was terrible and she couldn't understand why somebody would do it.

"I hate seeing any trees poisoned or chopped down to be quite honest."

"And I mean, they lose their leaves in the winter anyway so I don't see the point," she said.

Bromwick said the area was a popular walkway and the trees were really nice shade for people picnicking and barbecuing.

Holmes said SDC staff would now be working with a local contractor to have them removed.

The public would also have an opportunity to view visuals and discuss the final Te Anau Basin Development Plan sometime in the next 3-weeks, she said.

Anyone who has information that could assist in identifying the person or persons responsible for this damage is encouraged to contact Police via 105, referencing file number 240227/5544