About three or four sections of the cemetery were damaged, including adornments being thrown around and damage to headstones. Most of the damaged graves were of children and stillborn babies.
The footage also identified a man who walked through the cemetery about 6.30pm and police believe that person might have valuable information that could help the investigation.
"This person walks through a walkway in the cemetery and is walking with what may be a cellphone shining in his hand. It is possible that he saw someone else in the graveyard around this time and we would like to speak to him about what he may have seen," Mr Rowbottom said.
About half an hour later a person was seen on CCTV walking through the graveyard and tampering with graves.
This man was described by a witness as a Maori or Polynesian about 1.72m tall and of chubby build. He was wearing a green hooded jacket, black baggy pants and work boots.
Some parents don't know where their children are buried. Photo / Supplied
It was also possible he had a spade with him at some point, Mr Rowbottom said.
Police have asked anyone who may know who the man is to come forward to help the investigation.
"The person responsible for this is likely to have returned home on Saturday evening covered in dirt. Anyone who has suspicions about someone they know who may have been involved in this incident is asked to contact police as soon as possible," Mr Rowbottom said.
"We are working closely with Auckland Council and families to try and resolve this crime quickly and get the best result for the families who have been affected."
Police have increased patrols around and within the Papakura Cemetery.
Anyone with information should call Counties Manukau police on 09 261 1300 or call the Crimestoppers organisation, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Papakura Cemetery, where headstones and decorations pulled from children's graves. Photo / Dean Purcell
