A Tauranga man has been charged after an alleged vandalism spree targeting political hoardings, with Police warning potential copycats to think again.

The first hoardings were targeted on Parton Road in Papamoa about 6.30am on 10 September. 

All up, about 30 hoardings of various kinds were damaged in a two-hour period across Papamoa, says Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford, Area Manager – Response.  

“The damage in some cases is significant and unfortunately, that’s an unnecessary cost for the people who own them. 

Attribute to Inspector Phil Gillbanks:

Police are continuing to search for missing 52-year-old man Billyjoe Pereniki.

Billyjoe was reported missing from his home address in Opape Beach Road, Ōpōtiki on Monday 7 September having last been seen on the afternoon of Sunday 30 August.

Billyjoe is described as comfortable in the bush and is well known in the local area, however, the length of time that he has been away and not in contact with family is now considered unusual.