‘Reckless vandalism’ costing community

The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board has significantly improved local parks and facilities over the past year, aiming to create enjoyable spaces for the community.

However, they emphasise the importance of taking care of these parks as recent damage has accumulated to $16,000, which delays repairs and causes children to miss out on recreational opportunities.

A total of $19,158 was spent on removing graffiti during the last financial year.

Bill Teaukura, Manager of Area Operations for Auckland Council, reports $15,747.45 in damage from recent vandalism across parks in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.

The slide at Ngāti Ōtara Park was burned, an act of antisocial behaviour that the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board urges the community to report. Photo / PMN News Mary Afemata

For East Tamaki Reserve, $3422.70 was spent on a damaged basket swing (the swing was vandalised again).

At Ngāti Ōtara Park, $6256.24 for a stolen flying fox seat and burnt slide (this area was vandalised again).

At Milton Park, $3483.44 for a burnt basket swing, and for Waimate Park, $2585.07 for a burnt slide.

The estimated costs for graffiti removal during the 23/24 financial year (up to June 2024) are:

• East Tamaki Reserve $4092

• Ngati Otara Park $651

• Waimate Park: $1488

• Milton Park: $930

• Allenby Park: $11,439 (due to more facilities)

• Pearl Baker Reserve Park: $558

The total cost of graffiti removal is $19,158.

Milton Park playground in Papatoetoe was renewed in 2019 after an arson attempt damaged the structure. Photo / Auckland Council

Teaukura acknowledges two incidents where City Care responded promptly without charging the council.

Teaukura says at Allenby Park, high school students were seen climbing the basketball backboard and unbolting the hoop. City Care quickly re-bolted it for safety.

Teaukura says at Pearl Baker Reserve Park, a member of the public reported children attempting to steal the basketball hoop, which was successfully recovered and reinstalled.

Apulu Reece Autagavaia, chair of the local board, says, “I’m bitterly disappointed that we have people out there being reckless, burning our playgrounds.

“I’m gutted that our Local Board has spent a lot of money upgrading our playgrounds, only for a small minority to ruin it for the rest of us.”

“Our children miss out because they can’t enjoy the parks as they are being fixed, and as a community, we have to pick up the bill through our rates,” he says.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia expresses disappointment over reckless vandalism in South Auckland parks. Photo / File

Apulu encourages everyone to use these spaces, suggesting family picnics and gatherings at local parks.

“When our playgrounds are left unused, antisocial behaviour can creep in.”

Deputy chair Vi Hausia says a series of vandalism incidents have affected at least eight of the local parks.

He says swings have been burnt, slides destroyed, and even the use of acid or fire as vandalism tools.

“People in South Auckland have advocated for years for better facilities. Now that we finally have them, it’s heartbreaking to see these acts of vandalism undo that progress.”

He says these acts create health and safety risks, especially for children, and lead to park closures during important times, such as Christmas, for repairs.

Hausia questioned what is driving such behaviour.

“At the end of the day, these playgrounds are for the community - including those committing these acts. They’re damaging something that benefits them, too.

“For so long, people asked, ‘Why don’t we get the same investment as other parts of Auckland?’ Now we have these assets, and a few individuals are ruining it for everyone.”

“Surveillance and collaboration are key. When the community works together and takes ownership, we can prevent acts like this.

“Ultimately, these are community assets - they belong to everyone in Ōtara-Papatoetoe. Damage like this wastes resources we fought hard to secure.”

Local board member Topou Folau says, “My message to those responsible is simple: Think about others. These parks are here for everyone - to create safe spaces for families and kids to thrive.”

Folau says parks aren’t “just spaces to play - they’re vital for mental health and reducing isolation. Vandalism takes away those benefits and isolates the community all over again.”

At Waimate Park in Ōtara, it costs $2585.07 to replace the burnt slide. Photo / File

The roles of parks and accessibility to these spaces are crucial for well-being.

"It's very important that we have areas where our community can go out, relax, and play. This helps to lessen isolation and keeps our community healthy,” Folau says.

The community plays a vital role in addressing this issue.

Suggestions include empowering local groups and setting up better neighbourhood watch systems.

“We need visible deterrents like signs warning of surveillance, and we’re exploring options for CCTV to monitor the parks.”

The police are investigating several incidents of vandalism reported across Ōtara Papatoetoe areas.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board deputy chair Vi Hausia (pictured here at Hayman Park I Manu-kau noa Iho), is proud of the work and advocacy of the local board to bring a destination playground to Manukau, and emphasises the importance of taking proper care of it. Photo / Auckland Council

A spokesperson has said that, at this point, there is no evidence to suggest that these incidents are connected.

"At this stage, there is no indication the incidents are linked, but inquiries continue."

The police encourage anyone with information to come forward.

Apulu reminded the public to stay safe and vigilant.

“Ultimately, let's have fun this summer and keep an eye out for one another and our public spaces.”

As Apulu and Ōtara Papatoetoe board shared, Teaukura and his team are disheartened by these actions and encourage the community to assist them, the local board, and dedicated neighbourhood groups by reporting any instances of damage or vandalism.

Auckland Council spent $22k on graffiti cleanup at Hayman Park and $19158 across local parks within the last financial year. Photo / Auckland Council

“We have all worked, and continue to work, diligently to maintain and protect the high-quality facilities that the community has requested and rightfully deserves.

“While we are committed to taking care of these valuable spaces it is costly and is a lot of work to repair.

“However, the reality is that we need the support of the community to help protect and care for these shared spaces for everyone to enjoy,” Teaukura says.

To report any issues, call 09 301 0101 or use the 'Report a Problem' tool on Auckland Council's website.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.