6 December 2023
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Vandalism at athletics field
Enquiry
Yesterday morning, the Lake City Athletics Club said they were informed by council of glass all over the fields. The events were already set up ready to go for yesterday. It was at the Number 2 Stadium Grounds.
They said they worked with council to pick as much of it up as possible. She said it appeared to be deliberately scattered as the pieces of glass were tiny and did not seem to have come from being smashed only on the grass.
Despite all efforts to clear it, she said a child still got a cut during the 200m race.
She said council had CCTV cameras in the area.
- Have police been notified?
- We understand council has CCTV footage of the area. How many people were involved in the vandalism?
- Are you able to please describe how the vandalism unfolded? Did people enter the site and break glass at each point it was found? Was glass smashed and then scattered?
- Where exactly over did the council find glass?
- What is the council doing as a response to the glass being found and the child's injury? Will the grounds be closed? How will the area be cleared?
- We understand there was glass all through the long jump sandpit. What is being done about getting this out? Will the pit be emptied out?
- Is council adding any extra security around the ground?
- As this is of public interest, can council please release the footage of the person /people in the act? We will blur the faces.
- Are you also able to provide images of the glass found on the fields?
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council, Group Manager Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions – Stavros Michael:
On Tuesday morning, Rotorua Lakes Council staff found broken glass on the Number 2 field at the stadium and promptly informed the Lake City Athletic Club.
InfraCore staff were sent to clean up the scattered glass on the track, around the discus circle, and in the long jump pit. As a precaution, staff will continue to look for glass on the field.
InfraCore will replace the sand in the long jump pit, which will be closed until further notice.
Council staff are reviewing CCTV footage and any relevant information will be shared with the police, who have been informed.
The field remains open for public use but people are urged to use footwear while on the track.
Note to Reporter: Your question on how many people were involved in the vandalism is a question for police.