Thanks from Czech tourist 20 years after Te Araroa robbery

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A Czech tourist who was attacked and robbed on the East Coast 20 years ago is using the anniversary of the incident to again thank the police involved in the case and those who helped him.

The man, who wishes to be identified only as Daniel, was attacked and robbed outside the Te Araroa Holiday Park on the night of February 15, 2004.

“I would like to thank the people who helped me back then,” he told The Gisborne Herald in an email.

Police made arrests after the incident and the offenders were convicted.

“On the anniversary of this event I would like to again thank all of the persons involved in this case — in particular the constable who arrived on the scene initially and the officers who apprehended the offenders on the road outside Ruatōria that night,” Daniel said.

“Thanks also must go to the policewoman from Ruatōria in whose house I was granted asylum for a few days by police.

“Last but not least, my great thanks go to Detective Nick Wilkie, under whose direction the case was investigated.

“His family supported me in the days that followed and their help made me feel safe and, without exaggeration, at home.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t think of your help and your beautiful country, which will be in my heart forever. I will never stop being grateful. Thank you all very much.”

Daniel also  emailed Gisborne police in the hope that contact could be initiated with those who helped him.