Metal detecting damaging Central Otago sports field

Rabbit holes come with the territory but there appears to be a new threat to turfs in Central Otago.

People using metal detectors at a park in Alexandra are believed to be creating holes that ratepayers are stumping up to have fixed.

Central Otago District Council parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey says a number of holes have appeared on the sports field at Pioneer Park.

What are treasure hunters seeking at Pioneer Park?

"Staff do see this from time to time and the activity is believed to be caused by people metal detecting," Mr Bailey says.

"The holes are about spade width and depth."

Wilfully digging, cutting or excavating the sod on any reserve is an offence under the Reserves Act 1977, and Mr Bailey says at Pioneer Park it is putting other users of the public space at risk.

"We understand some people use metal detectors to try and find lost money, jewellery or other artefacts and in some cases may also on sell them.

"This activity is best kept to beach areas such as sand or gravel, and is not suitable for ‘developed’ parks and reserves."

He says while permits can be issued for the metal detecting in parks like this one it is not something the council does.

Frustration levels have reached a point that the council has made a plea this week on social media for people to refrain from the activity.

"It is dangers for the ground users and is an extra cost to the community to repair," the post says.

"Please do not engage in this activity."

The unexpected content of the post entertained some, and bewildered others.

One commenter says, "I've heard it all now".

Another suggests, "Could be moles?".

And, perhaps the cheekiest, "Trying to find where their rates are going".