A central Christchurch square has sustained damage of more than $100,000 less than a month after reopening after extensive repairs.
Photo: Supplied
Victoria Square reopened to the public on 9 March after $7.5 million worth of restoration work was completed.
Government rebuild agency Ōtākaro Limited said significant damage was done to block walls overnight Monday, with vandals forcibly removing 46 brass skate fins designed to deter skateboarding.
The skate fins were easily identifiable, said Ōtākaro Limited Development general manager, John O'Hagan, and anyone who knew anything about the theft should report it to the police.
Mr O'Hagan said he expected the repairs to cost well over $100,000 and to take several weeks to complete.
He said replacement stone would need to be cut and in some cases etched to repair the damage to the new Parerau artwork behind the Queen Victoria statue.
"It is deeply disappointing that after all the time, money and effort that has gone into this much-loved space that someone would willingly damage it," Mr O'Hagan said.
A security guard would be put in place overnights, and Ōtākaro said a permanent solution was being considered.
