26 May 2018

Woman appears in court for smashing graves

9:32 am on 26 May 2018

A woman is on bail and will reappear in court next month, after the destruction of headstones at a northern Hawke's Bay cemetery.

A smashed headstone at Raupunga Cemetery.

A smashed headstone at Raupunga Cemetery. Photo: YouTube/Callum McLeay

A 46-year-old woman appeared in the Wairoa District Court yesterday charged with intentional damage. The Raupunga site was scattered with debris from the destruction.

She did not enter a plea and was bailed to appear in court on 8 June.

An emotional Kaye Wesley posted a video on Facebook after she went to visit her brother's grave - but found it had been smashed - along with many others.

Wairoa mayor Craig Little told RNZ this week that the community was in shock.

Damaged graves at  Raupunga Cemetery.

Damaged graves at Raupunga Cemetery. Photo: YouTube/Callum McLeay

"Honestly I just feel so sorry for the families that that has occurred to and they must be just going through hell.

"They've lost their loved ones ... now they have to go through this again."

A Givealittle fundraising page has so far raised more than $8000 to help restore the site.

The police investigation continues.