From the Dominion Post:

Vandals desecrate tomb
22 June 2006
By IAN STEWARD

Vandals have struck again at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, smashing a large rock on the monument.

It is suspected that battery acid may also have been poured on the tomb, at Wellington’s National War Memorial, in an attack that has appalled officials.

National War Memorial curator Paul Riley said the “cretinous” act appeared premeditated. The vandalism had caused worse damage than when skateboarders had desecrated the tomb in April last year, less than five months after it was unveiled.

The latest attack saw the bronze covering being scratched once again, but Mr Riley believed it could be repaired.

The vandalism was discovered at 7.30am yesterday by a painter working at the war memorial.

Mr Riley said his first thought on arriving was: “Oh my God, they’ve trashed it.”

“Someone has come here to do some damage. I don’t know whether they are trying to make some statement, but there’s actually someone in there – it’s not just bricks and mortar.”

Last week swastikas were drawn on the marble in felt pen.

Police had installed surveillance cameras at the memorial but they were removed a few days ago. New cameras were to be installed within the week, meaning the vandals had acted in a very narrow window of opportunity.

Mr Riley said officials were considering building a fence around the tomb but he was reluctant to do this as it would create a barrier to visitors.

New Zealand Returned and Services Association president John Campbell said he was experiencing “the three Ds – disappointment, despair, and disgust”.

The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior was unveiled on Armistice Day 2004 with the laying to rest of the remains of a World War I New Zealand soldier.

Police are investigating.