Security around Tauranga's community Christmas tree on the waterfront is being tightened after a vandalism attack.
The eight-metre-tall Christmas tree has traditionally been placed in Mid City Mall in the lead-up to the festive season but it was moved to the newly opened waterfront area to allow people to get closer to it.
Last weekend some branches were ripped off. The vandalism left gaping holes in the tree, which has been re-adjusted to soften the holes created.
Downtown Tauranga manager Kirby Weis said he was saddened on Monday morning when he saw the damage done. "I am very, very disappointed that someone would even think about it. Something like that, to a community tree, and Christmas tree of all things?" Mr Weis said.
"I hope that when we capture that person it was a momentary lapse of reason."