Police unable to prosecute after headstone vandalised five times

Thursday 18 December 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Fri 19 Dec 2025, 9:10am

A family is distressed after a mother's headstone at Rakaia Cemetery was damaged on five separate occasions. Despite capturing video evidence of one incident, police say there is insufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution.

How they headlined it

15h

Thu 5:40pmFri 9:02am

1. RNZThu 18 Dec 2025, 5:40pm

   Caught on camera damaging headstone, but police say evidence not enough (opens in new tab)

   Also on Stuff (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsFri 19 Dec 2025, 9:02am

   Caught on film damaging headstone, but police say evidence not enough (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesFri 19 Dec 2025, 9:10am

   Family upset no action over repeated damaged to headstone (opens in new tab)