Waitohu Schools’ wider family are devastated at the theft of one of their taonga – an Oamaru stone carved koru, one of a set of three at the school’s front entrance.
Someone went to a lot of trouble to dig out the metre high sculpture, which was set in concrete alongside the other two koru in the setting.
These koru were made by the mums of some Waitohu pupils, Paula Archibald and Paula Pain in 2008. They are devastated by the theft.
Principal, Maine Curtis said the koru sculpture was blessed by kaumatua when it was installed. “It is tapu. We want this stolen KORU to come home,” he said.
Otaki police were notified of the theft and since school went back at the beginning of February parents have begun a facebook campaign plus information to wider families and work mates to keep a watch for Waitohu’s missing koru.
If you have any information about the missing koru please phone Waitohu School on 364 8272, Otaki Police at 364 7366 or the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.
By Margaret Andrews