The time and date of the theft of the bronze weta sculpture in Epsom, Auckland, in 2007 were unknown.
The time and date of the theft of the bronze weta sculpture in Epsom, Auckland, in 2007 were unknown.
Artworks have a habit of going missing from public places. In 2007, a large sculpture of a weta was taken from its pillar outside the Epsom Community Library but the time and date of the theft were unknown.
The "much-loved" bronze sculpture measured 1.5m from head to foot.
The thefttook place following a number of raids on the University of Auckland's library in the same year.
Thieves stole a $100,000 Charles Goldie painting, seven Colin McCahon poems worth $7000 and an unbound copy of the Oxford Lectern Bible valued at $100,000 from the university library's special collections room in 2007.
Napier's iconic Pania of the Reef statue is being decorated by two little girls. Photo / File
In October 2005, Napier's iconic Pania of the Reef statue was stolen from Marine Parade. Charles Nukunuku was jailed for a year for stealing the 70kg statue.
The same month a $25,000 Paul Dibble sculpture was stolen from outside a Waikanae restaurant, and later returned after a $10,000 ransom was paid - something which angered police.
