Paul Hanninen, of Finland, was the first to arrive at Lake Wanaka to take a sunrise photo of the Wanaka tree yesterday morning and noticed the tree looked different. Photo: Kerrie WaterworthThe Wanaka tree before it was damaged. That was the question most asked by tourists, visitors and locals at Lake Wanaka’s famous tree when they saw branches had been cut from the willow and discarded on the shore. She said the agency was disappointed to learn of the attack on the Wanaka tree. Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesman Jack Barlow said although the council was not responsible for the Wanaka tree, ‘‘we are saddened to see any tree vandalised and strongly condemn this type of behaviour’’.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 18, 2020 15:22 UTC