Oakura CBD Looking Bare After Plant Theft

A light-fingered plant enthusiast has put a big dent into Oakura’s summer plant display.

During the weekend 18 Xeronema plants were stolen from the CBD flower beds, just a week after they had been installed by New Plymouth District Council.

“Oakura’s especially busy over summer and we wanted the town’s central area looking great for when the people start coming through in droves,” says Manager Parks Operations Stuart Robertson.

“Now it’s looking pretty bare because one person thought they had more right to these plants than the entire community did. It’s pretty annoying – especially as the bottlebrush flowers were just starting to display.”

Temporary vegetation, possibly flaxes, will be planted to fill in the bare areas for the summer season, and Council staff will replant the area next autumn or winter.

Mr Robertson asks anyone who saw suspicious behaviour around the flower beds to phone the Council.

“The only people who should be removing plants from the district’s flower beds are Council staff, who wear the blue, yellow and black uniform tops. If you see anyone else interfering with vegetation in public area, please let us know,” he says.