Burglars steal remote Waikato marae's solar panels

The theft of 10 solar panel from Motakotako Marae has left local maori disappointed, especially as the thefts took place over Christmas. Photo/Tahi Rangiawha

Burglars who stole 10 solar panels from a remote Waikato marae likely knew no one would be about when they struck.

They also knew what they were doing, Motakotako Marae chairman Tahi Rangiawha says, as the thieves would have needed special tools to prise the panels from their steel frames.

Rangiawha said the panels were stolen from the Phillips Rd marae, between Raglan and Kawhia, sometime between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, when locals briefly left the area to spend Christmas with family.

"It takes a bit to dismantle and you need certain tools for it."

Rangiawha said he was disappointed by the thefts.

"It's just one of those things but we're putting options in place so it doesn't happen again."

Those options include setting up security cameras and ensuring someone was on site at all times.

The solar panels were paid for by the Waikato-Tainui iwi who were putting them on all 68 of its marae in its patch as part of its mana Maori motuhake - living sustainably - initiative.

The panels were put up at the beginning of the year and meant the marae no longer had power bills.

"We're pretty disappointed by it and it puts our plans on the back burner and especially at this time of year, it's a bit of a downer."

The marae was a busy place - it holds monthly meetings, tangi, and also hosts the Maori King once a year.

However, Waikato-Tainui had insurance for all its marae, he said.

The 40 solar panels in total were enough to power the marae and houses on site, and cost about $30,000.

Police had also been informed about the burglary, he said.