A day out at Dannevirke's upper domain on a sunny Sunday could have ended tragically, if not for the sharp eyes of a Tararua District Council contractor.
"On Saturday night someone had driven an iron spike into the ground at the bottom of the slides, which could have resulted in horrible consequences for the toddlers who were first to use the slide on the Sunday morning," Peter Wimsett, of the Tararua District Council said. "Our CCTV security cameras showed us images of people destroying the bark retaining wall and when staff arrived at the domain at 6.30am on Sunday, they found the spike, an engineering-type tool, driven into the bark at the base of the slide."
Mr Wimsett said he was appalled by the actions of whoever was responsible.
"I believe these are teenagers who don't think of the consequences," he said. "It was a nice Sunday morning and 3 and 4-year-olds would have been at the park and there could have been tragic consequences," he said. "This rusty bit of steel, the same colour as the bark, could have meant a particularly serious injury to a child."
Mr Wimsett said a complaint had been laid with the police and he was pleased the security cameras were helping to shed light on what was going on at the domain.
"We have footage of people walking away from the upper Domain and as they crossed the road by Dannevirke Four Square which we hope may help the police," he said.
Senior Sergeant Nathan Davis, of the Tararua police, said the incident was worrying: "What somebody has done is disgusting. This has been compounded by the fact this is a children's play area, so we all need to be vigilant about safety when using the park."
Dannevirke police would also like to identify the origin of the spike which is 235mm long and appears to have been homemade.
"This is a particularly malicious act if carried out by an older person or very stupid if it's something done by a young kid," Mr Davis said.
-If you can help identify the iron spike contact Dannevirke police on 06 374-4500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.