The clearance of several areas of of native bush within Egmont National Park, also known as Te Papa Kura-o-Taranaki, has prompted an investigation by the Department of Conservation.
DOC senior ranger Cameron Hunt said staff first became aware of the cleared bush on the northwest side of the park near Pukeiti in July.
Working closely with police, they discovered a campsite and several clearings in the area. The clearings measured up to a 10m by 10m, and a pile of rubbish was found at the campsite.
A CCTV camera set up at one of the clearings captured a photograph of a man DOC is keen to identify.
"This man's face is clearly shown in the CCTV image and we'd like to speak to him about what's happened here," Hunt said.
"We believe someone knows who he is, and we'd welcome any information which helps us identify him."
Hunt said the man who set up the campsite has gone to some trouble, taking in 200l plastic water tanks, a 44-gallon steel drum, five car batteries, a small fridge, a gas cooker and even constructing a basic platform or floor from ponga logs and plywood.
"This person is obviously pretty organised and quite committed to whatever they were doing," he said.
Under the Conservation Act, it is illegal to fell or remove trees, shrubs or plants on or from public conservation land.
It can result in a fine of up $100,000 and two years in jail. If the offending continues, further fines of $10,000 a day can be imposed.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Hunt on 027 246 1083 or by emailing chunt@doc.govt.nz.
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