Vehicles causing damage to sports fields and parks in Auckland are costing ratepayers thousands, according to the council.
In a statement this morning, Auckland Council said there had been a spike in vehicles being driven illegally in parks and walking tracks, rendering them unusable.
Recent incidents included cars and quad bikes being driven on “much-loved” sports fields, motorbikes and scooters ripping up walking tracks, and unauthorised BMX tracks popping up in public reserves.
The council said the issue was costing ratepayers thousands.
In the last month, vandals caused thousands of dollars worth of damage at Ōrākei Basin rugby field. Motorbike vandalism caused “significant damage” to playing surfaces at Mountfort Park in Manurewa. Both incidents impacted the clubs’ ability to use the fields.
The Council said 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; and the creation of makeshift mountain bike tracks and jumps for dirt bikes, mopeds and e-scooters in protected areas,” a spokesperson said.
One ranger in south Auckland had reported incidents every night over the last week.
Auckland Council’s general manager of parks and community facilities Taryn Crewe said it was “deeply frustrating” to see parks being damaged.
“Our parks are places where people connect with nature, play sport, and spend time with whānau and friends. It’s disheartening to see behaviour that damages these spaces, especially when it means we have to divert funding from other projects—like planting, maintenance, or improving facilities—to cover repairs.”
She said the majority of the incidents occurred during winter, making it easier to damage the tracks and fields. The conditions also meant parks were quieter, providing cover for the behaviour.
Council staff were working to repair the damage, but “the financial and environmental costs continue to grow”.
“Our teams put a lot of care into maintaining our parks so they’re safe, welcoming and accessible year-round,” Crewe said.
“We really appreciate the community’s support — whether that’s reporting issues or just helping keep an eye out. When we all play a part, our parks thrive.”
Anyone who spots illegal behaviour at parks and open spaces is asked to report it to police.
Damage could also be reported through the council website.
In June, a 19-year-old was charged and had his new vehicle impounded after he allegedly tore up Kumeū Rugby Club’s fields in Auckland’s northwest.
