The Festival of Lights, held at New Plymouth's Pukekura Park every summer, attracts more than 175,000 visitors. Photo: Supplied / © Charlotte Curd
Preparations for one of New Plymouth's most popular events have been spoiled by the theft of over $10,000 worth of lighting.
Last summer, the Festival of Lights attracted more than 175,000 people to Pukekura Park over five weeks, and featured almost 90 events and 14 light installations.
Lisa Ekdahl, the event lead at the New Plymouth District Council, told Midday Report host Charlotte Cook that there had been two separate incidents of theft.
Last week, fluorescent lights - one of the most popular features for families - and spotlights were stolen.
And earlier this week, lighting that had been laid out in preparation for the artist's installation were taken.
The thefts had cost the council money and delayed preparations, and organisers would need to "work in a creative way to plug the gaps", she said.
"Hopefully it won't be obvious where there are changes to the lighting route."
The thefts were quite specific and had been committed by someone who knew about lights or lighting, she said.
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