Overview
- The Bruce McLaren Trust confirmed the graves of Bruce, Patricia, Ruth and “Pop” were defaced with gold paint and toy cars at West Auckland’s Waikumete Cemetery.
- George Stewart-Dalzell of The Grave Guardians discovered the damage in late September and the volunteer group is leading repairs, with the stones currently wrapped and not on public view.
- Reports describe repeated interference at the site, including protective coverings being removed after initial attempts to safeguard the headstones.
- Additional nearby graves were also affected, and one belonging to McLaren’s sister and brother-in-law showed bleach damage, while an epitaph on Bruce and Patricia’s stone was refilled in gold paint.
- Auckland Council condemned the acts, noted CCTV coverage with more cameras recently installed at Waikumete, and urged the public to report damage to police rather than attempt their own repairs.