Memorial for Man Who Died at Auckland Beach Damaged Six Times in Nine Days

Auckland Council has confirmed that a memorial plaque at Piha Beach, installed to honour a man who died there in January, has been damaged six times in nine days.

The plaque, placed near the site where 23-year-old Ethan Smith collapsed and died although swimming on January 18, was first discovered vandalised on February 1. Since then, it has been repeatedly defaced, smashed, or removed, with the most recent incident occurring on February 9.

Council staff have replaced the plaque three times, each time using reinforced mounting and weather-resistant materials. Despite these efforts, the memorial continues to be targeted.

Local residents and lifeguards have expressed distress over the repeated damage, describing it as disrespectful to Smith’s family and friends who visit the site to grieve. Some have begun leaving flowers and notes beside the plaque in response.

Police have been notified and are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby properties and public cameras. No arrests have been made, and authorities have not released details about suspects or motives.

Auckland Council said It’s working with iwi representatives and community leaders to determine a more permanent solution, including the possibility of relocating the memorial to a less accessible but still meaningful location.

The council reiterated that public memorials are protected under the Reserves Act 1977 and that intentional damage constitutes a criminal offence.

Ethan Smith’s family has not issued a public statement regarding the vandalism.