Marlborough District Council is urging the community to help protect vital environmental monitoring sites after two recent incidents of vandalism and theft have caused thousands of dollars in damage and disrupted essential flood-warning systems.

On 17 January, cabling and backup communications were deliberately cut at a Rai River monitoring site. The damage severed power and data connections to specialised river-level and flow-monitoring equipment, which provides real-time information used by Council, Marlborough Roads, and Emergency Management during severe weather. Critical rainfall recording equipment, which is essential for flood warning decision-making, was also targeted. Temporary repairs are now in place, but replacement cabling alone will cost $4,000, with an additional $300 for the aerial.

The vandalism follows another incident on 13 January at a Wairau River monitoring site, where offenders attempted to break into the secure housing and remove equipment. While unsuccessful, the attempt caused damage and followed a pattern of thefts in the area, including two stolen solar panels in the past year.

“These sites are absolutely critical for flood warning, emergency management, water-quality monitoring, and environmental compliance,” says John Sutherland, Team Leader Environmental Monitoring. “If this damage had occurred before a major weather event, the consequences could have been significant. Some of our equipment is highly specialised and can take weeks or months to replace. Ultimately, the cost of replacing and repairing this vandalised equipment falls on Marlborough ratepayers.

“I want to thank the private landowners for permitting access and monitoring on their land, and for their support in the environmental monitoring activities we do. Their assistance is critical for environmental and emergency management decision making, and benefits all within the community”.

Anyone who notices suspicious activity near monitoring sites is encouraged to report it to 105 Police Non-Emergency and contact Marlborough District Council on 03 520 7400.

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