11 Apr 2012

Orchard attack motive not known

12:08 pm on 11 April 2012

A Hawke's Bay orchardist says no one can come up with a reason why his orchard was attacked on Easter weekend.

Some 1500 apple trees were cut in half at the Fernhill orchard near Hastings.

Orchard owner Jonty Moffett says he was in a state of disbelief when he saw the trees on Sunday morning.

He says the trees will live but he doubts they will be of economic benefit.

Mr Moffett says the damage is estimated at at least $80,000 in lost income and replacement costs.

Police in Napier say a case like this is not seen very often and they are appealing to the public for more information.