A Coromandel-based charity reportedly burgled overnight has described the incident as “disheartening” as there are “other ways” the person could have received support.
Aotearoa Disaster and Community Resources co-director William Brockbank told 1News the burglary was discovered this morning by his brother when he noticed the door was open.
“It had been damaged and pried open and [he] knew that, yeah, there’s been a break in.”
Brockbank said at first they weren’t sure what was missing but they later discovered through CCTV from a neighbouring property that both tools and food had been taken.
The charity, which Brockbank said provides communities with disaster relief, was set up after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 to send help to the harder-hit Napier community.
Brockbank said more recently, the charity has been helping local community organisations, along with schools by supporting breakfast clubs and students in need.
In the last two months, the charity had also been relocating from Kopu to Totara in Thames.
Brockbank said the burglary occurred at the new location at about 1.30am. He added the tools were covered by insurance, and the food had been donated. “So I guess we’re not at a loss with that. It would just be a repair to the door and any other damage done.
“It’s a little disheartening because… we feel that if people are in need of food, there’s other ways to reach out.”
Brockbank said the person could have “very realistically” received “support from us in other ways, in the proper avenue” instead of “breaking in and just taking what he wants”.
“We do think he initially came for the tools and then saw the food and came back.”
Police confirmed a complaint was received this morning of a burglary overnight on the Ngati Maru Highway, Thames.
“A number of items have reportedly been taken from the property.
“The file is currently being assessed to determine further steps.”
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