Vandals Destroy Lights Along Popular Whakatāne Path

Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 8:08 pm
Article: Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

A Whakatāne stopbank path has been plunged into darkness after vandals damaged 20 light fixtures.

The popular cycling and walking path, between McAlister Street and the former isite building on Quay Street, will remain unlit for several weeks due to the vandalism - the third incident since February.

Since Bay of Plenty Regional Council raised the stopbank and floodwall along this stretch of the river, temporary lighting was put in place until Whakatāne District Council could arrange for permanent lighting to be installed.

Overnight, between Tuesday and Wednesday, about 20 lights were vandalised.

Whakatāne resident Graham Chambers told Local Democracy Reporting [the Beacon] the temporary plastic lighting installations had been a waste of ratepayers money which should have been spent on more permanent fixtures.

“It seems to me to be a waste of time, energy and money that they can be repaired and then damaged again the same day.”

The district council’s transportation manager Ann-Elise Reynolds said permanent lighting was scheduled to be installed within the next few weeks.

“The temporary lights were installed as a short-term safety measure while we waited for delayed delivery of the permanent fixtures. We understand the community’s frustration and appreciate their patience as we work to complete the installation,” Ms Reynolds said.

“We’re disappointed by yet another act of vandalism targeting the temporary lighting along the stopbank path.”

She said the latest round of damage was estimated to cost around $12,000, bringing the total cost of vandalism across all three incidents to approximately $30,000.

“Due to repeated vandalism and the ongoing cost of repairs, we won’t be restoring the temporary lighting. However, we are making the area safe and ensuring there’s no risk of contact with live electrical cables."

The council was working with Horizon Networks to confirm the installation schedule of the permanent lights.

“In the meantime, we strongly advise against using the stopbank path at night, as it will remain unlit and may not be safe. The new lighting will provide a safer and more reliable long-term solution for this popular walking and cycling route.”

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

© Scoop Media

Local Democracy Reporting

Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.