‘Deeply disturbing’ vandalism of pou whenua along Abel Tasman Coast Track

The senseless vandalism of multiple pou whenua along the Abel Tasman Coast Track has sparked dismay among locals and is being investigated by DOC and NZ Police.

Pou whenua are carved posts used to mark out boundaries or places of significance to Māori.

The sites, located at Medlands Beach close to Bark Bay and further along at Marahau, have been closed off by DOC staff.

DOC and mana whenua are extremely disappointed by the vandalism and are working with NZ Police to track down those responsible. Phil Crawford, DOC acting operations director, says it’s hard to believe someone would vandalise cultural pieces like this along a Great Walk.

“The first pou whenua looks as though someone took a hammer to it,” says Phil, “and paint was thrown over the second. These are mindless acts of destruction. Honestly, we’re not sure which is stranger - that someone would do something like this, or that they planned enough to bring a hammer and paint along to do it.”

“We hope that, given the amount of people on the track currently, someone must have seen something and will be able to pass the information along.

“If anyone has any information about this, please contact the DOC HOT line on 0800 362 468 or NZ Police on 105.”

One pou whenua is of Hohāia Rangiāuru, an important Te Ātiawa chief of Motueka. An online hui was held with mana whenua and DOC, where Hohāia’s descendants expressed sadness at the vandalism.

“Ka tangi te ngākau i tēnei mahi tūkino,” says Melanie McGregor, great-granddaughter of Hohāia.

“I lament this act of violence.”

Replacement and future protection measures for all the pou in the National Park were discussed.

A police spokesperson said on Tuesday that at this stage there are no further lines of enquiry to pursue.

“However anyone with new information that might help is still asked to get in touch through our 105 service, quoting the file number case number 241223/3689.”