The theft of a solid bronze Peace Bell weighing a tonne overnight on Tuesday is a tragic loss for the community, local councillors say.
On Tuesday morning, Auckland Council staff discovered the bell – a treasured symbol of friendship between New Zealand and Japan – was missing from the Japanese Garden beside the Henderson Civic Building.
Henderson-Massey Local Board chairman Chris Carter said the bell had been gifted to the former Waitākere City Council from the Japanese city of Kakogawa in 1997 following the signing of a friendship agreement between the two cities six years earlier.
"It represents decades of friendship and cultural connection between our two cities," he said in a statement.
The two cities became official sister cities the following year.
Auckland Council general manager of corporate support services Anita Furniss said the thieves had "gone to great effort to steal the bell, which appears to have been cut off and removed using heavy machinery".
"It’s a real blow for the community, including our staff at Henderson Civic who work next to and enjoy the gardens every day."
Waitākere Ward councillor Ken Turner said the theft was "deeply unacceptable" and a tragic loss for the community.
"I want our Japanese community and friends to know that this does not reflect who we are, nor the values we stand for."
Fellow councillor Shane Henderson added that the theft was "deeply saddening and concerning for our communities out west and for our friends in the sister city, Kakogawa".
"I hope for the safe return of the Peace Bell and for the continued growth of friendship between our two cities."
Anyone with information was urged to call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 or police on 105.
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