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Vandals have desecrated a church by smashing it up with a crucifix, leaving the Catholic community in Ruakaka appalled.
The assailants demolished the door and used the church processional cross to break valuable stained-glass windows about 2am on Sunday.
A church spokesman, Andre LaBonte, said the incident had offended the parishioners.
"Everyone was very upset and some people were in tears. To smash up a church is appalling and very disturbing," he said.
This is not the first time the building has been attacked and in the 10 years since Mr LaBonte has been with the church he has seen the vandalism increase.
"Every Sunday there are broken bottles and litter outside. The windows have been broken and the walls graffitied.
"Recently the vandalism has been getting worse so we installed security lights, which were soon smashed in," he said.
"What sort of person would do this to a house of God? I can't believe the lack of respect people have.
"We need to instil higher values in our children so they grow into decent adults."
The church is appealing to the community to take a stand against the vandals and protect the community.
"We don't want to put a fence around the church as we want it to look welcoming, but we are fed up with being targeted," said Mr LaBonte.
"The level of degeneration in this area is frightening. There are some developers building expensive houses in this area and I'd be worried if I was them. Some people just don't have any respect for their surroundings and will happily destroy stuff."
The estimated cost for temporary glass is $3000 but replacing the stained glass will be much more expensive. Whangarei parish priest Tom O'Connor said insurance was unlikely to cover all of the costs.
"It is very disappointing that something like this could happen," Father O'Connor said.
"The community works hard to keep that church nice and these people come in and smash it up.
"I really feel for the parishioners who have been very upset by this.
"And the cost of the damage is worrying as the insurance might not cover it all."
Ruakaka police have spoken to a 15-year-old boy who has admitted breaking into the church in an attempt to steal wine.
He managed to steal only holy water, and has denied breaking the windows.
Constable Gavin Cyprian said the boy would be dealt with by Youth Aid.
"This church is always getting its windows broken but this is the worst vandalism the church has experienced ...
"I've advised the church to get an alarm and better lighting."
Another 15-year-old and a 17-year-old are to be questioned about the incident.
- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)
