The Cactus House in the Botanical Gardens could be closed permanently because of vandalism and theft, and the district council is calling on the community to help curb the ongoing theft of plants from public gardens. Photo / Murray Robertson
The Cactus House in the Botanical Gardens could be closed permanently because of vandalism and theft, and the district council is calling on the community to help curb the ongoing theft of plants from public gardens. Photo / Murray Robertson
The Cactus House in Gisborne’s Botanical Gardens faces permanent closure because of vandalism and thefts.
Attacks on the house have been part of a wider issue of plant theft from the city’s public gardens, prompting a plea to the community from Gisborne District Council.
“Our gardeners are facing a heartbreakingchallenge,” the council posted on its Facebook page.
“Plant theft is escalating dramatically across our Botanical Gardens and public spaces.
“We’ve recently lost native grasses – stolen immediately after planting – and mature cherry trees ripped out and they won’t survive.
“The Cactus House in the Botanical Gardens has been vandalised four times this year and now faces permanent closure.”
The Cactus House has been hit by vandals and thieves four times this year. Photo / Murray Robertson
In other gardens, sensory garden plants near the Rose Garden were pulled out and removed, and roses have disappeared.
Thieves have targeted the public gardens in the district, like the Rose Garden next to the council offices, where they have removed young rose plants. Photo / Gisborne District Council Facebook Page
“This isn’t just about replacing plants. It’s about preserving the spaces that bring our community joy, provide learning opportunities and support our native ecosystem,” the council post said.
The council has called on the community to help stamp out the theft of plants from a number of city public gardens, including the Rose Garden and the Botanical Gardens. Photo / Murray Robertson
“We need the community’s help as our eyes and ears.
“If you see suspicious activity around our gardens, please report it immediately on 0800-653-800,” the council said.
“The gardens belong to all of us. Let’s protect them together.
“Our gardens team’s dedication deserves our support - let’s ensure their hard work benefits everyone in Te Tairāwhiti.”
The council is offering a $500 “award” for information leading to a conviction for plant theft or wilful damage to public facilities.
