Far North community angry after Mangōnui war memorial defaced by graffiti

Vandals who tagged Mangōnui's war memorial were caught on CCTV camera. Photo/Daniil Alexahin

A Far North community is fuming after its war memorial was defaced with graffiti.

Mangōnui resident Daniil Alexahin was taking his usual morning walk with his three-year-old child when he noticed the graffitied cenotaph on Sunday.

“Those who did this should be ashamed of themselves. After all, the war memorial is a sacred space to remember those who bravely gave their lives for their country.”

The vandalism did not paint a good picture of the seaside village which attracts many tourists every year.

“In fact, the graffiti caught my attention when I saw some tourists taking photos of themselves with the memorial.

“It’s going to look really bad for us when they post in their socials.”

Alexahin later took to social media to call out the offenders.

Community locals were quick to vent anger and dismay with one commenting that the “ungrateful persons” did not even spare the dead while another said that “it was disrespect in the highest regard”.

Far North (Kaitaia) RSA Secretary Manager John McGovern said it was “greatly disappointing”.

“The memorial is something that remembers the sacrifices those people have made, not just for their families, but also for Aotearoa.

“So, it’s not just important for us but all Kiwis.”

McGovern was informed by community members that the offenders were youths. CCTV footage showed them doing graffiti elsewhere in the town.

Alexahin had also seen the footage and was aware of many locals who had walls, garages and rubbish bins graffitied recently.

He said it didn’t matter whether it was an adult or a youth, “the fact” remained that the offenders were mature enough to brazenly show their disrespect.

Alexahin said a tough upbringing or difficult situation did not justify the vandalism.

Te Hiku Community Board member Sheryl Bainbridge agreed there was no excuse.

“The lack of respect for our history and the servicemen and women who fought for our country is disgusting.”

Kevin Johnson, Council Group Manager for Delivery and Operations, said his staff were not aware of any previous graffiti or tagging incidents at the memorial.

Contractors had been asked to “urgently remove the graffiti.”

Avneesh Vincent is the crime and emergency services reporter at the Northern Advocate. He was previously at the Gisborne Herald as the arts and environment reporter and is passionate about covering stories that can make a difference. He joined NZME in July 2023.