The stopbank path between McAlister Street and the former isite building on Quay Street will remain unlit for several weeks thanks to vandals.

Since Bay of Plenty Regional Council raised the stopbank and floodwall along this stretch of the river, temporary lighting was put in place until Whakatāne District Council could arrange for permanent lighting to be installed.

Overnight, between Tuesday and Wednesday, the lights, about 20 in total, were vandalised for the third time since February.

The council estimates the latest round of damage at $12,000, bringing the total cost of vandalism across all three incidents to approximately $30,000.

Whakatāne resident Graham Chambers said the temporary plastic lighting installations had been a waste of ratepayers’ money which should have been spent on more permanent fixtures.

“It seems to me to be a waste of time, energy and money that they can be repaired and then damaged again the same day.”

The district council’s transportation manager Ann-Elise Reynolds said permanent lighting was scheduled to be installed within the next few weeks.

“The temporary lights were installed as a short-term safety measure while we waited for delayed delivery of the permanent fixtures. We understand the community’s frustration and appreciate their patience as we work to complete the installation,” Ms Reynolds said.

“We’re disappointed by yet another act of vandalism targeting the temporary lighting along the stopbank path, the third incident to date.”

“Due to repeated vandalism and the ongoing cost of repairs, we won’t be restoring the temporary lighting. However, we are making the area safe and ensuring there’s no risk of contact with live electrical cables.

The council is working with Horizon Networks to confirm the installation schedule of the permanent lights.

“In the meantime, we strongly advise against using the stopbank path at night, as it will remain unlit and may not be safe. The new lighting will provide a safer and more reliable long-term solution for this popular walking and cycling route.”