Police have issued a warning after stakes were found embedded in the ground in the Manawatū settlement of Himatangi.
The stakes were discovered by members of the public “near the forest entrances at the beach, alongside other areas near the Tangimoana Forestry Block”, Manawatū Police posted today on its Facebook page.
“These stakes pose a great danger and could cause serious injury to any person entering and using the forest, either recreationally or for work purposes.”
Anyone found to be responsible for laying the stakes would face charges, police said.
“Due to the severity of damage these stakes can cause to the public and vehicles, a person could be charged with multiple charges including endangering transport, reckless endangerment, and wilful damage.”
Police added that the Tangimoana Forestry Block “is signposted to be private property”, meaning anyone found in the area without permission might be trespassed by the landowners.
“It is also important to remember that pest control workers with firearms are actively undertaking pest management in the forestry block, which poses potential risk to those entering the area unannounced.”
