In a brazen act of vandalism, a collection of bronze memorial plaques have been removed from the columbarium wall at Paparoa Howick Cemetery, concerning cemetery staff.
Auckland Council’s Manager Auckland Cemeteries, Catherine Moore, says the vandalism was discovered yesterday and will be very upsetting for families.
“We have reported the vandalism to police and we are contacting the families that we have contact details for,” she says.
“The removal of these plaques from the wall has meant those individuals’ ash urns have been exposed, and we have moved these to an appropriate place to ensure they are respectfully stored until the plaques can be replaced.”
Approximately 20 plaques have been removed from the memorial wall, and each one is individually named.
“It is deeply upsetting that these memorials have been tampered with and damaged.
“We want to encourage any concerned families to contact the South Cemeteries team and if anyone has any information about what may have occurred, we appreciate them contacting the police,” says Ms Moore.
The South Cemeteries team can be contacted on (09) 279 8232.
