The Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill entrance gate was damaged today. The automatic gate's arm has been removed and cordoned off behind cones on the grass. Photo / Tūpuna Maunga Authority
By RNZ
The newly installed automatic gate at the entrance of Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill on Manukau Rd has sustained significant damage, leaving it inoperable.
Tūpuna Maunga Authority said after initial inspection that the gate is believed to have been hit from the front between 2am and 4am.
It would take about two weeks to install a replacement gate.
Tūpuna Maunga Authority chairman Paul Majurey was disappointed.
“The Tūpuna Maunga are wāhi tapu to mana whenua and should be safe spaces for all our community to enjoy. These types of actions cause frustration to all of us that [sic] cherish these taonga.”
Tūpuna Maunga Authority has filed a police report and said security would be increased till repairs were completed.
Anyone with information about what may have happened at the scene is asked to contact police or Auckland Council.
In a statement, Auckland Council said the gate was there to protect the maunga from vandalism, thefts and anti-social behaviour after hours.
It was actioned after the copper-dome roof on Stardome Observatory was stolen, causing $200,000 worth of damage.
Tūpuna Maunga Authority has also installed automatic gates at Takarunga / Mount Victoria, Maungarei / Mount Wellington and Ōwairaka / Mount Albert.
It's understood a NZDF aircraft and multiple helicopters are involved.