A recent spate in vandalism means Council staff are having to spend more time fixing damage rather than working on new projects and maintaining community spaces.
The noticeable increase in incidences of vandalism ranges from graffiti, damage to facilities (especially public toilets), fields being ripped up by vehicles, and destruction of bush and planting within the District parks.
STDC Places and Spaces Volunteer Coordinator Alice Arnold says it is destructive and pointless behaviour.
“The Council Horticultural team work tirelessly around the district to maintain our parks, gardens and open spaces and we also have dedicated volunteers who work extremely hard to give back to the communities they live in,” says Alice.
“After all this effort, to return to find such mindless vandalism, is disheartening and frustrating for all involved.”
Parks are a common target says Alice, with Naumai Park often showing evidence of bush being hacked away, holes dug, and plants ripped out, as well as grassed areas ripped up by motor bikes. King Edward Park has also become a target for vandals with recurring damage to the public toilets, observatory and sculptures.
“It makes those visiting and working in these areas feel unsafe. Not to mention the unnecessary staff time and financial costs of repairs needed to fix the damage. It all adds up and its ratepayers footing the bill,” says Alice.
Additional measures have already had to be taken, with security cameras installed after repeated incidences of vandalism at King Edward Park.
Alice encourages anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour and vandalism happening in a public area to report it to Police.
