The Fairy Garden was a volunteer project decorating a walk through Bannerman Park.
Little figurines, painted miniatures, and houses were scattered along the path, creating a magical journey with fairies, gnomes, and other magical creatures to be discovered.
Organiser Cathy Borthwick said there has been a recent uptick in damage.
"We’ve seen a few damaged ones over the time it’s been up, had a few disappear.
"But there’s been a wee spate of vandalism just recently."
Mrs Borthwick said the vandalism pointed towards a culprit with mischief and mayhem on their mind.
"I suspect it’s probably early teenage youths, because they’ve [the damaged items] been smashed up and not taken.
"Somebody ripped the figurines of Patrick Star off the rock, smashed it up.
"There was another little house someone created, with donated lights and a fence: it got smashed up," she said.
The damage was a blow to the community, as Mrs Borthwick said she and a few volunteers had put in their own money and time to make it an attraction for locals.
"It’s a shame really.
"They’re not cheap to go and get.
"We shop around all the local shops and marketplaces to get the items.
"I’ve used my own money. I probably put in about $30 a week towards paint and glue and the figurines."
Mrs Borthwick said the Fairy Garden was there for the young children to have an adventure while teaching them the quiet dignity of nature.
"We’re encouraging kids to go up, have a look, but to show respect for the gardens, keeping them clean and tidy.
"We’re encouraging imagination, encourage kids to get some exercise.
"The [garden] is there to create magical moments," she said.
For the vandals, Mrs Borthwick said if they had all this energy they should channel it into something productive and positive.
"It’s just a shame they feel the need to break and destroy things.
"They need to know they can paint some rocks and add it to the collection, help someone else along.
"It’s better to share a smile than destroy stuff," she said.
gerrit.doppenberg@alliedpress.co.nz
