Hunt still on for Stratford ‘no rate rise’ vandal

Police are still investigating a spate of rate protest vandalism incidents in Stratford that culminated with a water tank being destroyed at the town’s cemetery three weeks ago.

A temporary water supply has been set up at Kopuatama Cemetery until a replacement for the 25,000 litre plastic tank, which was slashed with a sharp tool, can be installed.

Stratford District Council communications manager Gemma Gibson said the council had not heard from the police regarding the case, after formally reporting it and providing evidence at the time.

“We understand they are following this up. No formal communication has been received on the matter yet.”

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A police media spokesperson said via email the investigation was “ongoing”.

Lines of inquiry were being followed and assistance was being provided by Stratford District Council and the Mayor, they wrote.

The tank destruction was the most recent incident in what appeared to bea long-running protest against rates rises that has so far cost Stratford District ratepayers around $13,000.

It began in 2019, when “No more rate rise” and “Rates go up, hall comes down” were painted on the newly painted Midhirst Hall.

And four similar incidents of property damage have occurred in the past two-and-a-half months.

A mystery vandal has tagged buildings, cut down trees, dumped a dead goat at the council’s front door and destroyed the water tank.

Each incident of vandalism has been accompanied by messages in orange spray paint with “no more rate rise” or some variation.