Kiwi arrested in Bali over surfboard theft, assault

File photo / NZ Herald

A New Zealander arrested in Bali over the theft of a surfboard is also wanted in relation to an alleged assault in the island earlier this month.

Former Wellington man Richard Wackrow is said to be on hunger strike in Canngu police station, just outside tourist hotspot Kuta after being detained at Denpasar airport on Friday.

Wackrow was accused of stealing a surfboard and other goods worth a total of $776 from a US tourist, the Jakarta Post reported.

He faces up to five years in prison if found guilty.

Bali Tourist Police issued an alert for Wackrow on September 8, posting various photos of him and his alleged victim on its Facebook page.

That woman, Lisa Neumeyer, said she met Wackrow in August and while they got on well initially, the relationship rapidly unravelled.

"It's been a really crazy situation," Ms Neumeyer said.

Homestay operator Esther Gehl said she gave Wackrow eight weeks' free accommodation.

She said Wackrow seemed good with children and her 11 year-old son was devastated to hear Wackrow was in jail.

A Bali-based security specialist said Wackrow's ex-girlfriend hired him to track Wackrow after that relationship turned sour earlier this year.

The security specialist said Wackrow was born in Wellington, and lived in Burleigh Heads, Queensland.

His brother Ben Wackrow told 3News the family was trying to gather funds to hire a lawyer over the alleged theft.

"It wouldn't be unlike him to not be in some sort of, I wouldn't say trouble, but getting up to some sort of mischief."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was aware of Wackrow's arrest.

"The New Zealand embassy in Jakarta is providing consular advice to Mr Wackrow," a spokeswoman said.

Police in Bali could not be reached for comment immediately.