Motorbike riders have vandalised a sports field in South Auckland, just days after it was newly renovated to accommodate winter sports.
By Torika Tokalau of Local Democracy Reporting
Two grass cricket blocks at Manurewa Memorial Park sustained damage over the Easter holiday period between April 3 and April 6, costing ratepayers thousands of dollars.
Auckland Council regional sports facilities manager Scott Malcom said the damage included deep tyre ruts, "donuts" and slits in the turf caused by motorbikes.
"It is disappointing to see targeted vandalism affecting community sports facilities that are widely used by local clubs, regional sports organisations and wider community users," Malcolm said.
"Grass cricket blocks in particular require significant time, specialist materials and ongoing maintenance to prepare for seasonal play, and damage of this nature can put them out of action for extended periods."
The damage to the cricket blocks required specialist reconstruction works, rather than routine maintenance, he said.
The blocks had just been renovated on April 2, following the completion of the summer cricket season.
Malcolm estimated remediation and re-renovation costs associated with repairing the motorbike damage to $9500, which would include temporary fence hire for two cricket blocks from April to September 2026.
There would also be renovation works for both cricket blocks, including applying new cricket soil, new grass seed, fertiliser, and re-establishing surface levels.
Malcolm said other areas of the wider park had motorbike marks and were impacted by the vandalism.
"Motorbike damage not only creates substantial repair costs, but also impacts the community’s ability to access safe and playable sports fields.
"Funding and resources that would otherwise go toward improving parks and recreational facilities are instead being redirected into repair and restoration works."
Before motorbike riders vandalised Manurewa Memorial Park, council had renovated the cricket blocks, restoring surface levels, preparing specialist cricket turf profiles and reseeding the blocks using approved cricket grass species.
Malcolm said damage to sports fields by motorbikes wasn’t isolated to just the South Auckland region.
"We don’t keep this data on hand. However, we know anecdotally, that unfortunately, this type of vandalism is not isolated to Manurewa Memorial Park. Similar incidents have occurred across the Auckland region."
He said parks staff were working alongside local boards to assess practical measures to deter motorbike access and reduce ongoing damage to sports parks.
"In the short term, temporary fencing will be installed around vulnerable grass cricket blocks and targeted sports areas to help prevent further vandalism.
"Longer-term solutions, including pipe and rail fencing around high-risk sports parks, are also being investigated."
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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