Ōrewa College sports fields suffer ‘significant damage’ from vandals in car

Orewa College is seeking information on its damaged sports fields. Photo / Google Maps

Ōrewa College has issued a plea for answers after becoming the latest victim of having its sports fields damaged by a car driving on them.

The school, located north of Auckland, said “significant damage” was done on Tuesday night, and it would like to find those responsible without getting the police involved.

“We’re asking for your help before we take this further,” said a post on the college’s Facebook page.

“The deliberate damage left behind is disappointing. If you were involved, or know anything, please come forward.”

Last week, the Auckland Council said there had been a spike in vehicles tearing up sports fields and parks across the region, making them unusable and costing thousands in ratepayers’ money.

The first noted incident came last month when Kumeū Rugby Club fields were badly damaged, leading to the arrest of a 19-year-old days later.

Did you see what happened to our fields? Significant damage was done overnight after a car drove across our school's...

Posted by Orewa College on Tuesday 22 July 2025

There have also been incidents at the Ōrākei Basin rugby fields and at Mountfort Park in Manurewa.

The council also noted park rangers had seen a “growing number” of incidents involving vehicles at local and regional parks.

“These include dangerous driving and excessive speeds on park roads, damage to chains, bollards and gates to access restricted areas,” a council spokesperson said.

Ōrewa College caters for students from Years 7-13 and has a roll of around 2000 students.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.