Offers flood in to replace killed fish

SMASHED: It will be some time before Vicki Thompson's fish pond will home goldfish again after an out of control car ploughed through her front fence and wrecked the pond, killing most of her children's goldfish. PHOTO/ LYNDA FERINGA

Vicki Thompson has been taken aback by the generosity of the community since an out-of-control car burst through her fence and wrecked her garden and a large fish pond, killing most of the goldfish.

Her daughter, 9-year-old Samantha, was distraught with the death of the fish she had helped to feed in the pond on the front lawn of their Roberts Rd property. The upheaval throughout their manicured garden of roses also forced friends, due to get married there, to find another venue for their wedding last weekend.

However, since the story ran in the Times-Age Ms Thompson has been inundated with offers of replacement goldfish from caring Wairarapa readers.

She said it was extremely touching to receive the offers.

"It's just been incredible generous with all the offers from people."

A Greytown man offered free goldfish as he has "lots" of the popular pet fish.

The family is grateful but it could be some time before the pond will become a habitat for goldfish again.

"The builders say it will be a long time before the pond will be fixed."

Meanwhile, Masterton police Senior Sergeant Jymahl Glassey said a 34-year-old Masterton man had been charged with driving offences relating to the crash. He is due to appear in court on December 12.

Mr Glassey said police were still investigating and awaiting toxicology results.