Date:  05 July 2017

A Hastings man has been trespassed from the Kaweka Forest Park for driving in an unsafe manner and doing wheelies at the Mangatutu Hot Pools campsite, Department of Conservation Hawkes Bay Operations Manager, Connie Norgate, says.

"The unsafe driving and wheelies are just the latest in a series of events which we have zero tolerance for. Public Conservation Land is for public enjoyment and we’ve had things like fires in areas which have total fire bans, littering and vandalism."

Vandals lit a fire next to a DOC hot pool
Image: Rod Hansen | DOC

The repeated vandalism has included a donation box being ripped off a wall, a fire lit on the steps next to the hot pools, and rubbish left behind including disposable nappies.

This vandalism costs the Department in not only repair expenses, but also staff time.

Connie says, "This is essentially theft from the crown and from the general public.

"People who damage these sites, light fires in fire ban areas or leave rubbish are committing an offence and they can expect to be prosecuted."

Information from the public and the Department’s security cameras have been very helpful in identifying the culprits.

Members of the public who witness any similar events should call the Department on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

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