Police in Otago are investigating a series of "suspicious" fires at cell tower sites, warning they could pose "serious risk" to communities.
Detective Senior Sergeant Regan Boucher said several such incidents had occurred in the Otago Lakes area, including in the Lindis Pass and Wanaka regions, over recent months.
Boucher said the circumstances surrounding the fires remained "under active investigation".
Telecommunications company One NZ said two of its sites had been damaged within two weeks.
In a statement, it said its mobile site in downtown Wānaka had been "completely destroyed" and would take at least four weeks to be fixed.
The service provider said other mobile services were helping but said there was "degraded coverage", which would be affected by congestion at peak times.
"We’re working urgently to restore full coverage as soon as possible, but with connectivity now being essential to live, work and play online, this will impact locals and visitors to Wānaka," a spokesperson said.
A Spark NZ spokesperson also said one of its towers in Wānaka was targeted in an unsuccessful arson attempt.
A temporary cell tower was used while the other was being repaired, and service was fully restored.
"Spark and Connexa condemn attacks on cell towers, as they are critical infrastructure essential for the safety and connectivity of our communities."
'Mindless attacks' pose a 'serious risk'
Boucher described the acts as "mindless attacks" that "pose a serious risk to our communities".
“They can disrupt vital connectivity, including access to emergency services such as 111.
"The last thing we want, and I would also hope the persons responsible want, is for someone to be hurt because they couldn’t call for help.”
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Glyn Lewers said he was "deeply concerned and disappointed" by the incidents.
"It looks like it's deliberate," he told 1News. "It takes a special type of person to actually do that, if that's the case".
"This is infrastructure the community relies on, and for it to be degraded in that way, it does affect the community."
He delivered a direct message to whoever may be carrying out the acts: "Give it up.
"You're actually putting property at risk, not just the tower, but actually next door facilities, neighbouring properties.
"You're putting people at risk, putting property at risk, so how about you give it a rest and go have a chat with the local police?"
The mayor, service providers, and police all urged locals to "remain vigilant" and report any suspicious activity near telecommunications.
"Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour near cell towers is urged to call 111 immediately if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact."
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