There is disappointment in New Plymouth at the theft of $10,000 worth of fluorescent Christmas lights and equipment ahead of the city’s popular Festival of Lights.
New Plymouth District Council’s events leader Lisa Ekdahl told 1News that fluorescent lights and spotlights were stolen from Pukekura Park overnight on December 5, and lighting equipment for an artist’s installation were stolen on December 10.
She estimated the total value of equipment taken to be around $10,000.
The lights were being set up for the TSB Festival of Lights, a free community event which attracted more than 175,000 people over five weeks last summer.
“We are very disappointed. The thefts have delayed preparations, and our team will have to work in a creative way to plug the gaps,” she said.
“The festival brings in over $9 million in GDP, drives social engagement by connecting people and has a strong out of region following too.”
Ekdahl said the council had “six to eight security guards onsite during the festival, as per previous years”.
Upset community members responded to a post on the council’s social media about the incident, which has garnered over 1000 reactions since being posted yesterday.
“This is so sad, we have such a lovely park and every year look forward to the lights that we get to see for free,” one commented.
Another person said: “Why do people have to do these things! Very disappointing. So happy it can still go ahead.”
1News has approached police for response.