A number of headstones and plots at a South Auckland cemetery have been destroyed by contractors.
The damage occurred when workers began filling a gully at the back of the Otahuhu Roman Catholic Cemetery several weeks ago.
Father Leo Doyle of St Joseph and St Joachim Parish says some headstones have been broken and there are piles of dirt on the plots. He says the damage is shocking, but believes it is unintentional.
The Catholic Diocese's property manager, Michael Stride, says the church wants to fix the damage as soon as possible and he will meet with the council next week.
Auckland Council representatives this week visited the cemetery to assess the damage and is investigating further. It says the contractors have stopped dumping soil on the plots.
An Historic Places Trust archaeologist is also investigating.
