Police are looking for a group of people that caused major damage to the Lakeside Road construction site in the early hours of Saturday morning (July 31).

Wanaka Police constable Ben Wallbank said “significant damage” was done to fencing and signage.

A post on social media claimed fencing and the new balustrade were damaged, and permanent traffic signs had been pulled out.

NZ Police said enquiries are being undertaken to identify and locate those responsible.

“If anyone has information which could assist, they should contact police via 105 and quote file number 210731/6469,” a NZ Police media representative told the Wanaka App.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is “extremely disappointed” by the damage, media and channels advisor Sam White said. 

Lakeside Road has been closed to regular two-way traffic for almost six months while work on stage three of Wanaka’s Lakefront Development Plan takes place. 

Stage three, which began in the first week of February, includes the formation of a shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, restoration and development of native vegetation, and a boardwalk alongside the lake.

Contractors continue to make good progress on site despite the damage, Sam said.

“As this incident is now the subject of a police investigation we won’t be commenting further at this stage…” he said.

PHOTO: Wanaka App