Kelburn Normal School in Wellington damaged by fireworks

The incident has been reported to the police. There were no cameras, so Bird didn’t know who was responsible or exactly when it happened.

“We have not received any feedback from the community as to whether anyone saw anything.”

Bird said the shade sail created an area where children could be outside, away from the heat of the sun, and the turf was near the Year 1 and 2 classrooms and extended to the junior playground.

The area has now been cordoned off with cones and tape.

“It’s a beautiful school, we’re very proud of it, so it’s a little bit disturbing,” Bird said.

He did not know how much the damage would cost.

“We will get a new one and replace it, but at the same time, when our focus is on bringing out the best in the kids and we spend time cleaning up the destruction of others, it is both frustrating and distracting.”

The school community was shocked, Bird said.

He wanted the community to be able to use the school’s facilities and said most people did so responsibly.

“As with any school going into the summer, it is really important that people look after their local school and pay attention to everything.”

The school asked anyone who heard or knew anything to contact them.

Earlier this month, Fire and Emergency Community Education manager Tom Ronaldson said fireworks were causing unwanted fires and the toll could be significant.

“Since 2019, we have seen 676 fires caused by fireworks, of which 513 were vegetation fires,” said Tom Ronaldson.

“One fire caused by fireworks is too many. It is an avoidable fire that we must attend to. It is also a completely unnecessary fire that could save our crews from another emergency.”

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter with a particular interest in local government, transport and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a radio journalist.