Thieves target Kaitaia junior playground

Thieves have stolen a parent-child swing – the only one of its kind in the Far North – from the junior playground at Kaitaia’s Centennial Park.

The large swing with metal frame allows an adult to swing safely in tandem with a toddler and was cut from its support by thieves sometime last week.

Heavy-gauge chain that connected the swing seat to its support was most likely cut with bolt cutters.

The parent-child swing, estimated to cost over $3000 to replace, was installed in March this year as part of the Council’s Centennial Park playground redevelopment.

Te Hiku Community Board Chairperson Adele Gardner says she is hugely disappointed Centennial Park playground has been targeted by thieves.

“This is a very popular destination for local families. The upgrade of the junior play equipment, which was completed only months ago, was undertaken following many requests from residents for equipment for younger tamariki. This theft will directly impact those young children and their caregivers just when the park will be at its busiest.”

She says Kaitaia Police have been informed about the theft and asked to review CCTV footage of the park to help identify the culprits. 

“I also urge members of the public to notify the Council or the police if they have any information that may help us recover this very unique and large swing seat.”

Anyone with information about the stolen swing can contact the Council on 0800 920 029, or Kaitaia Police on 09 408 6500.