One-tonne Peace Bell stolen from Henderson's Japanese Garden

Wednesday 12 November 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 13 Nov 2025, 2:19pm

A one-tonne bronze Peace Bell was stolen overnight from the Japanese Garden in Henderson, Auckland. The bell was gifted by Kakogawa City, Japan, in 1997 as a symbol of friendship between New Zealand and Japan. Auckland Council staff discovered the theft on Tuesday morning.

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Wed 6:53pmThu 10:47am2:19pm

1. StuffWed 12 Nov 2025, 6:53pm

   Henderson Peace Bell, that marks friendship between Aotearoa and Japan, stolen overnight (opens in new tab)

2. RNZThu 13 Nov 2025, 10:47am

   One-tonne Peace Bell stolen from Henderson's Japanese Garden (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsThu 13 Nov 2025, 2:19pm

   'Deeply saddening': One tonne Peace Bell stolen from Auckland garden (opens in new tab)