Kindergarten teacher Bronwyn McEwan said about $500 had been spent replacing worn side-netting near a fort complex late last year, and staff and parents were "disappointed" about the recent damage.
"We’ve got to keep children safe."
Several thousand dollars had been spent upgrading play equipment and making improvements in the Northeast Valley kindergarten’s grounds in recent years, and this money had been raised with considerable effort by the "fantastic" fundraising committee.
The neighbours also did a good job of helping to look after the North Rd kindergarten, including watching for any suspicious behaviour. The vandalism has been referred to the police, who are investigating.
A police spokeswoman said police would like to hear from anyone who had seen anything suspicious at the kindergarten, including on Wednesday night.
● Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800 555-111.