Gisborne District Council is grappling with a region-wide surge in vehicle-related damage to public parks, including frequent incidents at Churchill Park near Kiwa Pools. According to Local Democracy Reporting, the council reports that overnight “hooning” has caused widespread destruction, though financial constraints currently prevent the installation of physical barriers at all affected sites.
Ongoing Vandalism at Churchill Park
Churchill Park has become a regular target for motorists driving on the grass, a recurring issue that has frustrated local residents. Laurie Harrison, a regular cyclist who passes the site daily, described seeing tyre marks across the park’s grounds. Harrison stated he has contacted the council multiple times regarding the damage, receiving responses that the council is aware of the situation and is working to address it.
Regional Scope of Property Damage
The issues at Churchill Park are part of a broader pattern of vandalism across the Gisborne region. Tyler Kirk, the council’s liveable spaces manager, confirmed that vehicle damage has been frequent over the past year. Similar incidents have been documented along the East Coast, including at the Te Papa Puninga Camping Area in Tolaga Bay, where locals reported damage to grass near a cemetery and camping facilities. Other reports of similar behaviour have surfaced in Tokomaru Bay.
Council Response and Future Outlook
Addressing the damage presents a significant financial challenge for the council. While some parks have been secured with barriers, Kirk noted that the cost of preventing vehicle access at sites like Churchill Park currently exceeds available renewal budgets. Contractors are presently assessing the extent of the turf and bollard damage.
Because the incidents typically occur under the cover of darkness and last for a very short duration, authorities report difficulty in catching offenders in the act. A police spokesperson confirmed that the most recent event at Churchill Park was not reported, leaving police without suspects. Moving forward, the council may continue to rely on reports from neighbours and passers-by to identify reckless driving. Until funding or security measures change, it is likely that the council will continue to manage the damage on a reactive basis as contractors complete their ongoing assessments.
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