The latest in a string of bronze thefts has prompted a generous response from a kiwi-loving business in Whakatāne.

On hearing the plaque belonging to Kaputerangi, bronze kiwi number 8 on the Kiwi Wandering Trail, had been taken, Jewelz on The Strand stepped in to provide a new one.

Bronze kiwi on the trail and their plaques, along with plaques from Whakatāne RSA memorials, have increasingly become targets of thieves and vandals.

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust representative Lydia Grunwell was shocked by another theft.

“Just as we were celebrating the return of bronze kiwi statue number 10, Te Hau, we were notified that the plaque from bronze kiwi number 8, Kaputerangi, had been removed or stolen. It feels like we are stuck in a constant cycle of theft and vandalism, followed by repairs and replacements,” she said.

Each act of theft or vandalism comes at significant cost to the trust, taking away valuable time and resources that could be spent on conservation work.

For Jewelz, stepping in to help was a no-brainer.

“We got together as a team and decided to replace the plaque for them. We were quite sympathetic with what’s been happening, so we wanted to give something back,” said owner Angelia Lesueur.

The trust appreciates the gesture but says continued issues with theft and vandalism of the artworks is forcing a rethink of the Wandering Trail.

Grunwell said the trail was created for the community and visitors to enjoy, and it was disheartening that a small number of people continued to damage or remove parts of the artworks.

She remains hopeful Kaputerangi’s original plaque will be found and returned and is grateful to Jewelz for its support.

“While it is disappointing that the actions of a few can impact something the whole community enjoys, we are incredibly grateful for the way our community always rallies around us. The support we receive reminds us just how fortunate we are to have such a caring and generous community behind us,” said Grunwell.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious or has information about the missing plaque can contact the kiwi trust through its Facebook page, website, or by emailing [email protected]