Trees vandalised before concert

The cherry tree as it was found by Katikati Twilight Concert committee co-chairman Diana More on Saturday morning.

Katikati Twilight concert committee volunteers were distraught to find four trees damaged.

They arrived at the Haiku Reserve about 8am Saturday to begin setting up for that evening's performance when they noticed the trees had been vandalised.

Three natives at the entrance to the reserve and a cherry tree within the reserve had all been hacked.

Co-chairman Diana More said there was little option but to remove the broken branches from the trees once they had informed both police and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

What was equally distressing was that for the rest of the day the team had to refute suggestions that someone associated with the committee was responsible for the damage.

"It was absolutely nothing to do with us and we are as devastated, if not more so, than the public," Ms More said.