It might be a place of mourning and remembrance, but that hasn't stopped people from damaging the grassy areas within the cemetery grounds at Whangamata.

The damage appears to have been caused by either motorbikes or small quad bikes that have been able to fit through the barriers at the gates, as track marks have rutted out the sections of the grass reserve within the cemetery making it unsightly and uneven to walk across.

But there's no evidence that any graves have been driven across, says Thames-Coromandel District Council's cemeteries co-ordinator Paula Carr.

She is now imploring people to remember vehicles may only be driven on designated access ways and parked only in designated parking areas.

'It is disappointing to have this type of damage reported as cemeteries are respectful places for people to come and visit and remember loved ones that have passed on.

The majority of people appreciate this while visiting cemeteries and we are fortunate that occurrences of vandalism and wilful damage are not common.”

TCDC also have Bylaws regulating what activities can be carried out on public places and reserves, including our cemeteries.

Vehicles can't be driven at a greater speed than marked on any road within a cemetery, and in any other direction other than indicated by traffic notices. If there's no speed limit signs, vehicles can only be driven no faster than 5 kilometres an hour on any cemetery road.

If you're unsure as to what is allowed within the Thames-Coromandel district cemeteries please contact council's Customer Services staff for assistance on 07 868 0200 or email [email protected]

For more information on TCDC's Cemeteries Bylaw 2015 click here or for more on its Public Places Bylaw 2004 click here.