Cellphone tower, power box set alight

Another cellphone tower and a power box have been set alight – the latest in a string of attacks.

In comes just days after two other Auckland tower fires.

Police said officers were called to Blanes Rd in Weymouth about 10.55pm on Saturday after reports of a lamp post/cellphone tower on fire.

Just minutes later, police were also called to a fire at a power box – at the site of the tower – in nearby Clendon.

‘‘Inquiries are under way into the circumstances around both incidents,’’ a police spokeswoman said.

Vodafone, Spark and 2degrees have urged communities to report any suspicious activity near cell sites.

Similar incidents across the country have been linked to an online hoax linking 5G phone networks with coronavirus.

Vodafone NZ said the vandalism was causing considerable damage and could impact community safety – meaning people may not be able to call 111 for emergencies, contact family members or connect to internet from their devices.

Vodafone, Spark and 2degrees have been subject to more than 10 arson attacks over the past six weeks.

Spark technology director Mark Beder said the attacks on critical infrastructure were inexcusable at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic.

2degrees chief of technology Martin Sharrock said the senseless activity was only causing more damage to homes and businesses. Earlier last month, there was another cellphone tower fire, in Manurewa.

A video of the alleged incident appeared to show a man pouring fuel over the exposed cables of the under-construction tower.

Another man in the video could be heard saying ‘‘F... 5G’’ and ‘‘F... the New World Order’’ as they drove away from the scene.

Spark, 2degrees and Vodafone have all experienced threats or attempts of sabotage of cell towers, including attempted arson.

A 4G tower on private farmland at Waiharara, in Northland, built as part of the Rural Broadband Initiative to bring 4G mobile and wireless broadband to rural New Zealand, was damaged in an arson attack in late March.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was asked about the circulating 5G conspiracy theory at a Covid-19 press conference last month.

She told all New Zealanders: ‘‘That is not true . . . I can’t state it clearly enough ... it is just not true.’’