Maori art work damaged at entrance to Rotorua

Two significant pieces of Maori art work located on State Highway 36, between Tauranga and Rotorua were deliberately damaged between 6.00 p.m. on Thursday, 7 October 2010 and 7.45 a.m. on Friday, 8 October 2010.

Sometime in that 12 hour period someone has attacked two Pou with a chainsaw, felling one and badly damaging the other.

The damage was first reported by an off-duty member of police who was travelling towards Rotorua.

A police scene of crime officer was immediately dispatched to the scene to complete a forensic examination.

An investigation plan has been developed by the officer in charge of the Rotorua CIB and police are making enquiries in an effort to identify those responsible.

Police intend to deploy additional patrols into the area over the next few nights in an effort to prevent further offending until the person or persons responsible are apprehended.

“This destructive action is not just a mindless act of vandalism – it is an attack on the Rotorua Community. The Pou were an investment made by the Rotorua community and were placed at the entrance to our city as symbols of the esteem in which our local Iwi are held and the importance of the city’s Maori heritage.” says Inspector Bruce Horne.

Local Iwi were involved in the design of the Pou, which represent the two sub tribes from the area where they were erected.

The Rotorua police Iwi Liaison Officer has been in contact with local Iwi to advise them of the crime.

Police are appealing for anyone who is able to provide any information about who might have caused the damage to call the Rotorua Police on 07-348-0099, or 0800 TIPOFF. Anonymous information could also be provided through the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Police are also keen to narrow down the time-frame in which the Pou were damaged and would appreciate hearing from anyone who observed the Pou still intact after 6.00 p.m. on Thursday, 7 October 2010 and before 7.45 a.m. on Friday, 8 October 2010.

ENDS

© Scoop Media