Caption: The cultural star compass or kāpehu was vandalised in an attack, with barriers erected to stop the public from getting close. Photo: Justine Murray
All tracks on Mt Maunganui will be closed Tuesday from 8.30am as repairs are carried put on the cultural star compass or kāpehu which was vandalised last week.
A full closure of the mountain is required to complete repairs to the pounamu touchstone, which was chipped and hacked with dirt thrown on top last Friday.
Restoration work began on Friday afternoon with cleaning of the cultural compass and temporary repairs to the damage caused by the vandalism, including the attempt to dig around the outer ring of the kāpehu.
Tuesday's repairs will involve smoothing and polishing the pounamu stone's surface to restore it as closely as possible to its original condition.
The maunga and tracks are expected to reopen by the end of the day. Updates on the re-opening will be posted here.
The taonga, named Atea-ā-Rangi, was installed in 2022 by Ngā Poutiriao o Mauao Trust and Te Puna I Rangiriri Trust, to celebrate the Māori New Year.
The vandalisim was believed to have occurred between 7pm on Thursday and 3.30am on Friday.
Caption: Close up of the damaged Pounamu touchstone. Photo: Supplied / Tauranga City Council
