Man charged, car impounded after burnouts damage Whanganui reserve

The driver caused the damage in the grass reserve area by Mowhanau Beach.

A man has been charged and had his car impounded after he allegedly did burnouts on a grass reserve area near Whanganui, causing "extensive" damage earlier this week.

The incident occurred at Mōwhanau beach at around 4pm on June 4, police said.

"Police acted swiftly to identify the vehicle and driver and have since seized and impounded the vehicle," a police spokesperson said.

"We hope this arrest makes it clear that police will take this type of offending seriously and hold those responsible to account for their actions."

The 20-year-old driver was charged with intentional damage and operating a motor vehicle causing a sustained loss of traction.

He was being held in custody and was due to appear in Whanganui District Court on Monday.