The vandalism of new wayfinding signs on the revered maunga (mountain) Mauao, Mt Maunganui, has shocked the community.
The signs are a partnership between Tauranga City Council and Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao (the Mauao Joint Administration Board), which aims to spread knowledge of Mauao's rich history and stories.
The vandalism has been reported by Tauranga City Council to Police.
Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao chairman Dean Flavell says the signs have been wilfully damaged, with te reo Māori place names, in particular, being scratched out.
![Scratching the surface. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/M4VCGL7A6KXUK5QIBB5XVWL33U.jpg?auth=fc804047a705431ce3d3528dc63ad0d0d2ba5e7c00088a00e1a8c51d71cb1f1f&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)