Business as usual at Treaty House after overnight attack

It will be business as usual for tourists at the historic Waitangi Treaty House in Northland today despite an overnight attack when a man drove a car into the historic building.

Police were alerted about 2.40am following reports of a vehicle revving loudly and being driven onto the grassed area at the Treaty House grounds. A man was yelling and making threats.

Damage was superficial and not structural and the 172-year-old house would be open for business today, said Michael Hooper from the Waitangi National Trust.

A police constable who spoke to the alleged offender needed medical treatment after being punched, headbutted and having an eye gouged.

A 27-year-old man was arrested after a car was allegedly driven around the Treaty House grounds and into the house. He faced charges of assault, wilful damage, dangerous driving, assaulting police, aggravated assault and threatening to kill.

Early reports from police said the damage was significant and the front of the Treaty House had been demolished but Mr Hooper said the damage was superficial.

"It is not structural, it is superficial -- one of the pillars which can be repaired, a fence and a seat in front of the treaty house."

Mr Hooper said there was also damaged to the turf in front of the house.

He said this time of the year was one of the busiest periods for the Treaty House but the large field staff on duty was expected to have the damage to the grounds in front of the house repaired very quickly.

"We will be open at 9am as usual," Mr Hooper said

In a statement today Waitangi National Trust general manager Jeanette Richardson said the trust was extremely relieved there was not substantial damage.

She said minor damage was done to the vegetable garden, a pillar, fence and seat in front of the Treaty House.

- NZPA