The Kaikōura District Council has hit out at whoever caused an "eyesore" at a scenic waterside spot, saying it will cost an estimated $2000 to a council still reeling from severe weather last month.
In a post online, the council shared an image of tyre tracks which ripped up the grass area on Fyffe Quay by Jimmy Armers Beach, on Kaikōura's Peninsula.
"Whoever decided to get creative with their vehicle using Jimmy Armers Beach grass area as their canvas, needs to find a new hobby," the post said.
'The last thing this community needs'
"This eyesore was created sometime last night or early this morning and will now require topsoiling and re-seeding, rendering the grass area inaccessible for some time."
It said police were aware of the incident.
In a statement to 1News, a Kaikōura District Council spokesperson said the damage was first noticed by a local resident who passed it on to council staff this morning.
"It is obviously extremely disappointing that someone thinks this is a good idea. The last thing this community needs right now is more time and cost for clean-up for some antisocial behaviour."
The spokesperson confirmed it would cost an estimated $2000 to fix.
"The area needs to be closed off for some months so the grass can be grown. Boulders were in place originally but were removed for the Link pathway development. They will be reinstated as soon as possible."
Earlier this month, a southerly storm dropped two months' worth of rain on the region in just 48 hours.
The weather event cut off communities by damaging bridges and causing road closures.
On Monday, Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle urged people to continue visiting the tourist town, calling it "still stunning". The repair bill for the council was thought to be less than what was first estimated, but still was likely more than $5 million, according to Local Democracy Reporting.
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