Park attack linked to harassment incidents
Police say several women have reported being harassed on a popular walking and biking track in New Plymouth.
On Saturday morning, Unity Wara used kickboxing skills to fight off a man who tried to grab her as she cycled through Kawaroa Park, near the city’s Coastal Walkway.
Police are still on the hunt for Wara’s attacker, who grabbed her from behind.
Wara said she had been inundated with messages of support since the attack, including from about five women who said they too had been harassed in the park within the past year.
‘‘I’ve got a feeling it might be the same person,’’ she said.
A police media spokesperson confirmed the investigation was ongoing, and police were aware of several other incidents.
‘‘Police are aware of several complaints relating to behaviour in Kawaroa Park over the last 12 months and are keeping an open mind as to whether any of these are linked to the most recent incident,’’ the spokesperson said.
Wara is still fearful the same thing will happen to someone else.
‘‘I feel like, have they looked enough?’’ she said.
The 43-year-old said she went into fight-or-flight mode and managed to beat off her attacker using kick-boxing skills she learnt when she was 16.
She is calling for better maintenance of the New Plymouth District Council-owned park to help prevent similar incidents.
‘‘It hit me yesterday, and I was processing it,’’ she said.
Wara said the bushes should be cut back as there is no visibility to the surrounding park or roads, making it easy for someone to hide.
‘‘It is quite thick,’’ she said. ‘‘I personally think they should do something about it.’’
Wara said she would no longer be walking or biking through the track and encouraged others to not wear headphones in the bush.
‘‘I don’t think people should walk there with headphones on.
‘‘It’s quite important for other women to look at doing a selfdefence course.’’
Police encourage anyone with relevant information to contact them on the 105 number.