Mount man reunited with stolen mini

The stolen red Mini was found in a residential Tauranga street this morning. Photo/Ruth Keber

John Thwaites thought he might never see his retro red mini again but a Tauranga resident with a keen eye has today helped reunite the Mount Maunganui grandfather with the 1979 classic.

Semi-retired 70-year-old Mr Thwaites was at work on Newton St in Mount Maunganui when he heard his 1979 Mini's engine on Tuesday. Mr Thwaites walked out on to Newton St and saw his car being driven towards the Hewletts Rd roundabout and almost side-swiped by an oncoming truck.

The Bay of Plenty Times helped Mr Thwaites public appeal for its return on Wednesday and today, he received a call saying it had been found.

The mini had been parked in Tauranga's Bernard St, with its number plates missing but keys still inside.

A local resident recognised the mini and called Mr Thwaites, suggesting he come to check it out.

Mr Thwaites said told the Bay of Plenty Times from Bernard St that the mini was his and he was so happy to have it back.

Police were responding to the find and are expected to tow it away for investigation to help track down the thief.

Mr Thwaites had used the car as a runabout and was hoping to one day pass it on to one of his grandchildren.

"It's just my handy little wagon to get around in and everybody sort of knows me from it. It's a little car I was going to do up and hand down," he said.

Friend Steven Miles posted on the Facebook page, Papamoa, New Zealand asking people for any information on the Mini's location and to keep an eye out.

So far, the public appeal for help has been shared on social media over 800 times.