Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
An 18-year-old has been charged over a series of burglaries of school equipment over six months.
In a separate case, a 57-year-old has been arrested over thefts of farm and fishing equipment in Kaikōura.
The thefts at Papakura High School between December 2022 and May 2023 included 65 chromebook laptops, televisions, tablets, food and phones.
An 18-year-old man appeared in Papakura District Court facing charges yesterday, although several of the thefts were referred to Youth Aid because the man was 17 at the time.
The matter was investigated by Counties Manukau South Tactical Crime Unit, and in a statement Detective Sergeant Allan Nixon said police wanted to thank the school and members of the public who provided key information leading to the man's arrest.
"It's always disappointing when important institutions such as schools are targeted in this way," he said.
Meanwhile, a 57-year-old man was due to appear in court on 13 dishonesty charges on Friday, over thefts at rural properties in the Kaikōura region.
Police said they recovered fence posts, farm gates and electric fencing, a boat motor and fishing-related items - all reported stolen between March and May - after searching a property and storage unit this week.