Multiple acts of "senseless" vandalism at kauri dieback tracks have cost Auckland ratepayers over $100,000.
Auckland Council closed some kauri tracks to upgrade them, but now they've been targeted and damaged just before some were set to open for summer.
There have been multiple incidents of ripped fencing, stolen and damaged cameras and signs, theft of spray guns and brushes, and broken hygiene stations, according to a statement from Auckland Council.
Local parks have suffered the most, the statement says, and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff calls the vandalism a "senseless waste of scarce resources" and it "endangers our environment".
"This sort of irresponsible and pathetic behaviour has cost ratepayers more than $100,000 and wasted hours of staff time," he said.
"Not only is it putting our iconic kauri trees at risk, but it's also taking up staff time that could be better spent upgrading and maintaining tracks in our parks."
There is currently no proven cure or treatment and nearly all infected kauri die, the Kauri Dieback Programme website says.
The disease, called Phytophthora agathidicida, is easily spread through soil movements, such as when soil is carried on dirty footwear, animals, equipment, and vehicles.
When tracks with kauri trees are closed for upgrades, it's often to build boardwalks or fences to better protect the roots.
"Auckland Council is working hard to reopen tracks so Aucklanders can get out and enjoy the parks and reserves this summer. Senseless behaviour by a small number of people is holding back this work," Goff said.
Replacing damaged or stolen fencing and signage alone has cost around $80,000. In the Waitākere Ranges from February 2019 to July 2020, upwards of 60 signs were replaced and 21 "significant repairs" to fences were made, costing $22,500. Auckland Council's statement says this doesn't include minor repairs to fences or reinstalling signs that were pulled or knocked over.
Kauri Dieback Management senior ranger Stu Leighton says "any vandalism is disappointing", especially since the time and resources spent replacing signs and fences isn't spent on upgrading and maintaining tracks.
"The specific and deliberate damage to track barriers, signs and the willful cutting of sterigene lines would appear to be a form of protest and that's the frustrating piece," he said.
"We are keen to get more tracks reopened for summer but this behaviour isn't helping."
Since April 2019 when cameras came into use, 17 have gone missing across regional and local parks and were replaced, costing $6800.
Auckland Council kauri dieback and track specialist manager Grant Jennings says it's a "very small minority who are spoiling this for everyone".
"It's extremely disheartening; there's no excuse for vandalism of this kind to be exacted on hygiene stations and fencing put in place to protect our kauri, it's so annoying," he said.
"This holiday season, I'd ask everyone to play their part and respect our community parks so they can continue to be enjoyed by families."
Auckland Council urges anyone who knows who is responsible for this vandalism to contact the council or police.
