On holiday with the average NZ family: Holiday park hit by 'stink' graffiti

HUMOUR - By GRAHAM REID


Seven broken badminton racquets, a dozen Dean Koontz novels, a cricket bat and a 4-year-old boy are among the items left behind by holidaymakers at Kakamoana Caravan Park, the park's management said last night.

"Finding badminton racquets is not uncommon," said park spokesman Rangi Hunter, "but I was surprised there were so many Koontz novels.

"We usually get a few - and some Catherine Cooksons - but 12 was a real shock."

The bulk of holidaymakers left the site yesterday, but Hunter said he expected a few more novels and at least one more child to be left behind by those returning home to Auckland this weekend.

"People forgetting one of the kids is understandable. After all [the children] disappear down to the beach all day, so most parents tend to forget about them completely.

"We've had a few calls today about the paperbacks but no one yet has claimed the kid. I expect we'll hear from someone in a day or two once people get home and unpack."

The boy - described as fair-haired, freckle-faced and very sunburned - is now being cared for by the park management.

Kakamoana Caravan Park has been in the news this holiday season after a number of incidents involving a family from Howick.

However, the past day has been quiet and police have had to investigate only one incident, an outbreak of graffiti.

"It was most unusual," said local constable Tahi Mahuta. "You expect a few fights and arguments when you get a bunch of city people relaxing by a nice beach in an attractive park, but graffiti is rarely an issue."

Overnight, tents and caravans had the word "stink" scribbled on them in black felt-tip pen.

Police are following a number of leads in Auckland.