An 83-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly painting over 15 rubbish bins with te reo Māori translations on them in Tauranga last month.
Bins in Kulim Park, Pilot Bay and Marine Parade were all vandalised, with orange paint being splashed over the translations describing what each bin is for.
At the time, Council Commission chairwoman Anne Tolley labelled the act as "racist" and "a sad reflection on a small section of our community".
"Our message to those who are responsible for this silly and misguided vandalism is that it's totally unacceptable, and we invite them to reflect upon the cost and hurt they are inflicting."
Tolley said it is important that te reo is visible in the city.
"Te reo Māori is an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand, and anyone who chooses to detract from the increasingly important role it plays in our everyday language is detracting from our heritage."
Council staff estimated it would cost $3500 to $5000 to remove the paint from the bins.
The man has been charged with intentional damage and is due to appear in the Tauranga District Court next Monday.
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