School children and council officials were putting on a brave face at the opening of Pukekura Park's new playground in New Plymouth after vandals destroyed a major part of it.
Mark Bruhn and the climbing apparatus destroyed in the fire. Photo: RNZ
A plastic cover was set alight about 2am on Friday, destroying the park's centrepiece - a large climbing slide apparatus - known as the New Zealand wave.
The $500,000 playground has been developed since June to replace an old playground.
About 100 people gathered for the official opening before midday. Deputy mayor Heather Dodunski told the crowd she was not going to let the low-life vandals ruin the day.
Ms Dodunski says the playground looks fabulous, aside from the climbing feature, which will be repaired by Christmas.
New Plymouth council parks manager Mark Bruhn says he and staff are angry because of all the work that has gone into the park. He says he's mostly upset for all the children who had been looking forward to trying out the park.
Children from Highlands Intermediate and Central School were asked to help bless the playground.
Police are investigating the incident.
About 100 people attended the opening of the park on Friday. Photo: RNZ
