Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on plucking and collection of fruits from trees on State land

Oct 7, 2019

Mr Darryl David: To ask the Minister for National Development 

a) to whom do the fruits of trees located on state/public land belong; and
b) what is the penalty for any person who (i) casually collects a fruit that has dropped from a tree grown on state/public land (ii) actively plucks a fruit from a tree grown on state/public land respectively.

Answer:

Trees, including their fruit, which are located on State land belong to the State.

NParks manages most of the trees on State land. Members of the public who wish to pluck fruit from trees, or collect fruit that has dropped from trees on State land should approach NParks for permission. Those who pluck or collect fruit in a public park without permission can be fined up to $5,000 under the Parks and Trees Act. Those who do so in a nature reserve or a national park can be fined up to $50,000, and/or imprisoned for up to 6 months.