Kiwifruit orchard destroyed by saboteurs

Saboteurs have destroyed nearly a hectare of a kiwifruit orchard by dousing it with herbicide.

The crime will cost Bay of Plenty grower Eric Hutchinson almost $50,000.

The attackers used Roundup-type and Buster sprays on a block of orchard near Katikati -- damaging leaves and flower buds and knocking out any chance of a harvest next year.

Police believe the culprits used a large commercial sprayer.

Mr Hutchinson said: "I don't think I've done anything to make anyone that mad."

Senior Constable John Fitzgerald of Katikati police said it was possible the wrong orchard block was sprayed and that the attack was aimed at another grower.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES