A car that repeatedly rammed into a recently-built east coast marae left tyre marks on the interior walls and moved the foundations.
The damage was so bad, skid marks were left on the inside of the wall. Photo: Manutuke Volunteer Fire Brigade
The meeting house - which was only built three years ago after hard work by the local community and iwi - was rammed by the car on Monday,
with the vehicle going right through the front doors, taking out the framing and damaging the surrounding walls.
The incident left tyre marks on an interior wall, moved the foundations of the building, exposed electrical cabling and left damage extending all the way to the ceiling.
The new Marae was left heavily damaged. Photo: Manutuke Volunteer Fire Brigade
As well as causing extensive damage to the front entrance, the attack damaged the rear of the wharenui as well as a nearby bach.
Locals were still working on the dining room, toilet block and other finishing touches at the marae.
A 45-year-old Gisborne man was arrested on Monday over the incident after he allegedly drove the car into the marae buildings before hitch-hiking back to Gisborne and threatening to pour petrol on himself at a service station.
He has been charged with intentional damage, wilful damage, threatening behaviour, and shoplifting and will appear in court next week.
Members of Ngai Tāmanuhiri iwi afternoon performed a whakawātea, or prayer, at their marae named Rangiwaho to lift the negativity
The cleansing ritual was performed by iwi leader Temple Issac, who is also the chairman of the marae.
The marae - which is located 30km south of Gisborne at Muriwai in Poverty Bay - was opened in 2012.
The damaged Marae Photo: Manutuke Volunteer Fire Brigade
A fire fighter inspects the damage. Photo: Manutuke Volunteer Fire Brigade
