Photo: RNZ / Rayssa Almeida
A surf life saving club on Auckland's cyclone-ravaged west coast was broken into overnight, with thieves walking away with more than $35,000 worth of essential equipment.
United North Piha Lifeguard Service, which was temporarily set up behind the community hall, was raided yesterday.
Club president Robert Ferguson said 18 radios and a patrol laptop were among the stolen equipment.
The incident put lives at risk and replacing the items would cost thousands of dollars, he said.
"It just staggers me you know, why would you do it? Why would you nick them? There is no value because they're programmed for our private radio network," Ferguson said.
Warning not to swim at West Auckland beaches
Following the break-in, people were urged not to go swimming at beaches in the west of the region by Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), as lifeguards were off duty.
AEM duty controller Rachel Kelleher said a king high tide and unusually large swells were being reported at Piha Beach today.
"Surf Life Saving are not on guard, so we're asking people to stay away from the beach, and please do not attempt to go swimming or surfing."
Kelleher said the council was working closely with Surf Life Saving New Zealand to secure funding.
Thefts 'nasty and gutless'
United North Piha Lifeguard Service lifesaving director Victoria Mulrennan said they were incredibly sad and angry at the theft, which she said was opportunistic and mean-spirited given the community was still recovering from the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.
"This is a nasty, gutless act. We are still trying to respond to the impact of the cyclone, and these thieves have put lives at risk, at a time where Piha is already struggling.
"Our community is still largely cut off, and we want to put our focus on recovery efforts. Without these radios, our ability to operate patrols is severely limited," Mulrennan said.
Surf Life Saving Northern region chief executive Matt Williams said while there have been many things Surf Life Saving has chosen not to get upset or angry about this summer, it was hard to look past this.
"To wake up in the morning and to find the things that are most critical to providing those services on the west coast, to have them stolen from a locked container... it just leaves a black mark on what's been a terrible week for the organisation.
"It's sad to see and it's unjustifiable," Williams said.
"Surf Live Saving New Zealand was urgently appealing for $8 million of additional central government funding to cover capital expenditure, he said."
"The loss of this theft is upwards of $35,000 in terms of replacing and reprograming the radios, Bethells Beach Surfclub was washed away by flood waters, Mangawhai Heads Surfclub has been damaged and red stickered by a landslide.
"To steal equipment used to save lives really highlights the circumstances and desperation of these individuals. This isn't just a theft from the club, it's a theft from the entire community," he said.
A police spokesperson said the incident was "incredibly disappointing given the area has been severely impacted by recent weather events".
The Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit is investigating the incident.
Alerts from the National Emergency Management Agency for 22 February
- Keep up to date with advice from your local CDEM Group or from civildefence.govt.nz
- Floodwaters may be full of sewage, chemicals and other hazardous materials and should be avoided as much as possible
- Floodwater can carry bacteria that can contaminate food
- Protect yourself when cleaning up flood water and mud by wearing a properly fitted P2- or N95-rated mask, goggles, gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and gumboots or work shoes
- Throw away all food and drinking water that has come in contact with floodwater
- Do not eat garden produce if the soil has been flooded
- In power outages use torches instead of candles, and only use camp cookers and BBQs outdoors.
- Conserve water where you are advised to
- Check the location of pipes and cables before you dig; see Chorus' Before You Dig website and beforeudig.co.nz for all utilities
- The best way to assist in the response is through financial donations and NOT through donated goods.