Police are investigating after a speed camera was chopped down in northwest Auckland last week.
The camera on Coatesville–Riverhead Highway, near Wake Road, was damaged around 7.30pm last Thursday. Police said a member of the public was seen cutting down the pole before leaving the scene in a blue 4WD with a canopy.
Inspector Jason Edwards said officers arrived soon after but the offender had already gone.
"Police taped off the immediate area, and NZ Transport Agency was advised about the incident," he said.
He also reminded motorists that although the camera is out of action, the 60km/h speed limit remains in place, and police would continue to enforce it.
The device has generated more than $10 million in fines since the speed limit on the stretch of road was lowered from 80km/h to 60km/h in June 2020, according to police data. NZTA took over responsibility for all safety cameras in July 2025.
NZTA confirmed it was organising a replacement unit.
"Intentional vandalism of NZTA property is a criminal offence, and the action has been reported to NZ Police," a spokesperson said.
Rodney local board member and road safety campaigner Geoff Upson posted a video to Facebook last week claiming an "upset local" had taken matters into their own hands.
Standing beside the toppled pole, Upson said it appeared to have been sliced through with an angle grinder, describing the device as “the revenue collector”.
"Coatesville Riverhead Highway used to be 100, then it was 80, now it’s 60 and a community member, good Samaritan, has removed the revenue collecting camera, so anyway, good news, it’s safe for you to drive 61km/h on your way to work tomorrow."
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