An Auckland homeowner who deliberately lopped at a protected pōhutukawa tree has been prosecuted.
Dong Jin Choi was sentenced to 300 hours of community service and fined $3500 at the Auckland District Court on 14 November.
He previously pleaded guilty to one charge of altering a pōhutukawa tree by removing about 50 per cent of the live growth.
As part of the sentencing, Choi must provide for the ongoing rehabilitation of the tree.