Hato Hōhepa Te Kāmura in Waitaruke has been broken into twice in recent months.
A small Whangaroa school is nearly $2000 out of pocket after two break-ins in recent months.
Hato Hōhepa Te Kāmura in Waitaruke was first broken into near the end of December, when petrol cans were stolen from a locked cupboard in the school garage.
The latest burglary happened overnight last week, with two scrub bars (weed eaters), tools and other items taken. The garage door was also damaged.
Principal Mereana Anderson said the break-ins have been heart-breaking for the small school.
“We are not a kura that can afford to keep replacing what is being taken and broken,” she said. “At this point, you are stealing from tamariki and mokopuna of Whangaroa.”
The weed eaters alone were worth more than $1000, and the total value of the stolen items sits just under $2000. For a small rural school, she said, that figure carries weight.
“That is the cost of five teachers for a full week. That is 10 devices for learning. That is feeding our children for a month,” she said.
“That money comes from the children enrolled in our school.”
Staff felt unsettled that both break-ins were through the same entry point, and targeted specific items.
“Where we are located, you don’t just come here from anywhere. You have to know our school to know what is in there.
“That’s what makes it really disappointing. It feels like people who know us.”
Hato Hōhepa Te Kāmura is a faith-based kura and part of its mission is to give back to the community. The school regularly supports families with food and clothing and responds when the community calls for help.
“If you need help, we are a place you can come. We have empathy. But you can’t keep breaking into my school.”
She said the first incident was not reported to police, but a police report has been lodged after the latest incident.
Anderson is asking anyone who may see scrub bars or other school equipment being sold locally or online to come forward.
“These things generally go unpunished unless people speak up. The impact of what you’re doing on a school like ours is more than you think.”
Isabel Evans, Ministry of Education hautū (leader) for Te Tai Raro-North said while schools are not required to report break-in and vandalism incidents to the ministry, they support schools with funding for security measures such as CCTV and alarms, through their operational grant to address vandalism, and provide additional support where needed.
If the vandalism damage costs are higher than a school’s vandalism allocation, they can apply for additional funding.
She said schools are particularly vulnerable during holiday periods when buildings are unoccupied.
“We offer guidance on prevention, such as improved lighting, secure bin storage, and community engagement.
“Common types of vandalism include graffiti, broken windows, damage to toilets and playgrounds, and minor arson. While some incidents are low-cost, repeated or large-scale damage can be significant.”
“These types of events can affect not just finances, but also the wellbeing of students and staff – and we take that seriously.
“It’s deeply disappointing when we see this type of behaviour occurring.
“Schools work hard to provide a welcoming and safe environment for their students and staff, and it is unacceptable when people show such disrespect and disregard toward school property.”
Police confirmed they received the report.
“Inquiries are in the very early stages, and a forensic examination is set to be carried out.”
They added they encourage the public to report incidents so appropriate action can be taken.
Anyone with information can update police online or call 105 using the file number 260218/0814. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.