Man arrested for attack on Cape Reinga lighthouse

Police have arrested a 21-year-old man in Auckland after the Cape Reinga lighthouse was broken into and its light damaged.

The light, one of the most important maritime navigational aids on the New Zealand coast, kept going but did not function correctly after the attack at the weekend.

Contractors are at the lighthouse this week removing the $40,000 light so a smashed glass lens, worth thousands of dollars, can be repaired. Other lenses were not damaged.

A window was also broken and a padlock cut.

Senior Constable Chris Yarnton of Houhora police said a group of 10 "young immigrant students" from Auckland drove to Cape Reinga in five cars early on Saturday.

It is alleged that one, and possibly two, broke into the lighthouse and hit the beacon with a wooden stool.

Maritime New Zealand was alerted to the break-in when it triggered an alarm in Wellington, and tour operators and Department of Conservation staff later noticed the lighthouse door had been broken open.

Maritime NZ and police put estimates of total damage to the light, the lighthouse and window at between $10,000 and $15,000.

The man arrested by Auckland police faces at least three charges, including burglary, intentional damage and endangering shipping.

He may also face other charges under maritime legislation.

Police have spoken to a second man, who may also face charges.

No motive for the attack is known but Maritime NZ spokesman Steve Corbett said the Cape Reinga incident was a crazy act.

"Mariners rely on them [lights] and people's lives are at stake."

Mr Yarnton said lives and shipping in the area could have been at risk as soon as the light was damaged.