Taranaki Media Logo
Taranaki Media
Dashboard
Stories
Events
Videos
Places
Contact
Search (⌘K)
Light Mode

Vandalism and Fire Damage Reported at Pukekura Park Playground and Pavilion

Vandalism and Fire Damage Reported at Pukekura Park Playground and Pavilion
Tony Skilling

Tony Skilling

21 June 2026

Park VandalismCrime New Plymouth
The big slide at Pukekura Park playground has been closed due to fire damage, while the nearby Bellringer Pavilion toilets were vandalised overnight.

We arrived at the Pukekura Park playground today to find the big slide closed due to fire damage. The New Plymouth Joggers and Walkers Club have also provided photos of the Bellringer Pavilion toilets which had been vandalised again overnight (posted below), with the toilet roll holder broken and paper thrown everywhere - inside and out - which the Club members cleaned up.

The playground area appears to have two cameras, including right next to the slide, however none are pointing in the direction of where the damage occurred. It's not yet known whether any cameras captured footage of those responsible, or whether they have been caught.

If you have any information, please provide via 105.

Pukekura Park Vandalism Arson Bellringer Pavilion New Plymouth District Council

Community Discussion

Join the conversation

More Stories

Taranaki Hooker Bradley Slater Receives Urgent All Blacks Call-Up for South Africa Tour
All Blacks

Taranaki Hooker Bradley Slater Receives Urgent All Blacks Call-Up for South Africa Tour

Taranaki rugby standout Bradley Slater has been drafted into the All Blacks squad to replace the injured George Bell for the tour of South Africa.

Tony Skilling2 days ago
Two Arrested After Sleep Assault on Tumai Street; Four Others Detained in Hamilton
Police News

Two Arrested After Sleep Assault on Tumai Street; Four Others Detained in Hamilton

Police have arrested two people locally and detained four others in Hamilton following a serious assault on a sleeping occupant at a Tumai Street property.

Tony Skilling3 days ago
Rotokare Scenic Reserve Appeals for Help After Essential Vehicle Stolen and Burned
Community Loss

Rotokare Scenic Reserve Appeals for Help After Essential Vehicle Stolen and Burned

Rotokare Scenic Reserve is appealing for community support after its only on-road vehicle was stolen in Rotorua and destroyed by fire.

Tony Skilling5 days ago
Local Legends Honoured at New Plymouth District Council Youth and Citizens' Awards
Community Awards

Local Legends Honoured at New Plymouth District Council Youth and Citizens' Awards

One youth and ten citizens have been recognised for their outstanding community contributions at the annual New Plymouth District Council awards.

Tony Skilling6 days ago
Brooklands Zoo Highlights Native Owl Protection for International Owl Awareness Day
Wildlife Protection

Brooklands Zoo Highlights Native Owl Protection for International Owl Awareness Day

New Plymouth's Brooklands Zoo is hosting special Keeper Talks to share tips on how locals can protect native ruru from hazards like pest species and sticky parapara tree seeds.

Tony Skilling1 week ago
Four Arrested and 59 Infringements Issued in Taranaki Police Crackdown on Anti-Social Driving
Police Crackdown

Four Arrested and 59 Infringements Issued in Taranaki Police Crackdown on Anti-Social Driving

Taranaki Police impounded vehicles, arrested four people, and issued dozens of fines during a weekend operation targeting dangerous driving and hostile behavior in the region.

Tony Skilling1 week ago
Life Sentence for Man Who Murdered Nelson Police Officer Lyn Fleming
Court Sentencing

Life Sentence for Man Who Murdered Nelson Police Officer Lyn Fleming

Hayden Tasker has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a 22-year non-parole period for the murder of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming in a deliberate vehicle attack.

Tony Skilling1 week ago
Legal Letter Forces Restart of TSB and Heartland Bank Merger Consultation
Legal Update

Legal Letter Forces Restart of TSB and Heartland Bank Merger Consultation

A legal letter from Foy & Halse to Toi Foundation has forced a restart of the 28-day community consultation period for the proposed TSB and Heartland Bank merger.

Tony Skilling1 week ago
South Taranaki and Stratford Councils Back Two-Council Model for Reform
Council Reform

South Taranaki and Stratford Councils Back Two-Council Model for Reform

South Taranaki and Stratford district councils have voted to support a two-council model for local government reform, rejecting a single region-wide authority.

Tony Skilling2 weeks ago
View All Stories