Whangateau residents have been left shaken after a recent spate of vandalism on the Big Omaha Wharf building.

The building was built in 1924 and is a listed heritage building. 

Image Jillian Taylor

In June, vandals set the portaloo and toilets alight.

The Leigh Fire Brigade responded quickly, however there wasn't much left of the toilets and the culprits had managed to disappear before anyone caught sight of them.

Images - Marie Ashton Jones

On July 4th, locals woke up to find extensive tagging on the inside of the building, including atrociously spelt taunts such as “You ant gonna cach me”.

There have also been reports of boats on the moorings at Ti Point being broken into, with fishing rods, batteries and other items taken.

The historic wharf building was saved, restored and is maintained by the community, making it heartbreaking for those locals having to constantly clean up and repaint.

The community are voicing their concerns and looking for ways to prevent further mindless damage. Leigh Chief Fire Officer Kevin has suggested a community patrol, an idea which has had a lot of support on the Love Leigh Facebook page where it was posted.

“It happens my brother is founder and trust chairperson for 'Community Patrols of New Zealand', he is ex police, has his own security training company and deals with issues from small community patrols, security firms, civil defence, right up to international terrorism.

“He started NZ community patrols for communities like us, to work in with local police and be the eyes and ears on the ground for local issues like we are dealing with. 

“Chris is personally very happy to come help organise something here for and with us. It would be done properly, formally and in coordination with local police who are all supportive of these patrols”.

A locals meeting will be held in the Leigh Hall, Sunday 25th July at 11.00am.

Anyone who lives, or has an interest, in the area between Birdsall Road through to Leigh, through to Pakiri, to the corner of Rahuikiri Road and Pakiri Road is welcome to attend this meeting.

The proposal is to set up a group and affiliate with 'Community Patrols of New Zealand'. CPNZ.

The meeting will be led by this small steering group and will be supported by a representative of CPNZ, Chris Lawton and a representative of the local Warkworth Police.