18 March 2019

Recent incidents of alcohol-fuelled vandalism and assaults on Auckland’s Maunga reserves have been condemned by Tūpuna Maunga Authority Chair Paul Majurey.

The incidents are occurring on a regular basis, with bench seats kicked in, beer bottles smashed in grass, and piles of empty cans and bottles in playgrounds and car parks.

A particular hotspot is the main entrance carpark and playground at Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain which is a regular site for alcohol abuse in the early hours of the morning.

“Anti-social behaviour is a problem in the area and we have been engaging with residents and the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board. New security options for Māngere Mountain is one measure we are exploring to address this,” says Majurey.

Also of real concern is a recent assault at Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mt Albert. A group of adults drinking in their parked car on the tihi (summit) of the Maunga abused a visitor and her elderly relative, kicked her dog and overturned portaloos. The Police were called, and the group fled.

Majurey says intimidation and violence is unacceptable behaviour, on the Maunga or anywhere else. Monitoring of personal safety on the Maunga has already been ramped up to protect people on these sacred Taonga.

“Everyone who comes to a Maunga has the right to be safe as they walk around it. It is unacceptable that a visitor was abused on a quiet stroll with family. We have reached out to them and ensured we will look at an increase in security and monitoring measures.”

Majurey adds that the removal of vehicles from the tihi of Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura, which came into effect on 16 March, will eliminate the issue of people parking at the top to consume alcohol in their cars.

“The Authority is on a journey to enhance and protect the Maunga, and a big part of that is ensuring these sites are places that locals and visitors want to be.”

More information about the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, the vehicle access changes and a copy of the Tūpuna Maunga Integrated Management Plan can be found at www.maunga.nz.

ENDS

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