Popular Kirwans Hut in Victoria Forest Park was damaged earlier this year. Vandals used paint stored on site to daub swastikas on the roof, external walls and water tank. They also smeared paint on the inside of the new toilet, broke the toilet lid, smashed guttering and made a mess inside the hut. 

A hut visitor alerted DOC, who reported the vandalism to the police. 

Last year, over four days, four people spent 200hr re-roofing Kirwans Hut as part of the Backcountry Trust’s Jobs for Nature projects.

DOC Western South Island Operations Director Mark Davies said the damage is senseless, sickening and extremely disappointing for DOC, the Backcountry Trust and trampers.