Up to $160k down the drain as vandals continually target Kāpiti Coast's community facilities

Vandalism of Kāpiti Coast’s community halls, sports changing rooms, and public toilets is costing ratepayers between $120,000 and $160,000 every year, with Kāpiti Coast District Council spending around $10,000 a month repairing damage – occasionally facing major one-off repair bills of around $40,000. 

Public toilets alone were targeted around 27 times during the 2025/26 financial year, with some facilities targeted more than once. From smashed toilet pans and kicked-in doors, to graffiti and purposely blocked pipes, the damage has left facilities closed for days or, in some more serious cases, weeks. 

Council’s Manager Property and Facilities Kelvin Irvine says it's frustrating to see facilities provided for everyone repeatedly targeted by a bored few.  

"Vandalism isn't a one-off event. Unfortunately, it's something our Property Team deals with week in, week out. 

"These incidents are also a real inconvenience for the public. When you're out enjoying one of our parks, reserves or community halls, the last thing you expect is to find the toilets closed because someone has wrecked them, or the windows have been smashed and there’s graffiti on the exterior of the building.

“A recent incident at the accessible toilet at Mazengarb Hall Sports Complex has already cost more than $5,000 to repair after vandals smashed the toilet pan, broke off the door handle, kicked in the door, and left broken glass throughout the facility.” 

Beyond the repair bill, Council staff also spend considerable time securing sites, arranging contractors, removing hazards, installing public notices and coordinating repairs before facilities can safely reopen. 

"Our staff spend valuable time responding to these incidents, and every act of vandalism is ultimately paid for by our ratepayers – it adds up quickly,” says Mr Irvine. 

“We'd all much rather see that time and money spent improving our community facilities. 

"If this continues, we may not have enough budget to keep repairing facilities and keep them open as well. Nobody wants to see ratepayer money disappear down the drain because of the actions of a few." 

Council is asking anyone who witnesses vandalism or suspicious behaviour around community facilities to report it to Police and let Council know as soon as possible.