Historic boats stripped of fittings in Paeroa break-in

Two historic vessels, the Ariana and the Norita, were stripped of brass and copper fittings during an overnight break-in at the Historical Maritime Park in Paeroa. Staff discovered the theft around 8am on Monday. Thieves used crowbars to rip out items, causing damage to the boats.

The stolen items include portholes, steering wheels, railings, controls, dials, lights, gauges, and copper piping. The Norita also lost its original steam gauges. Park manager Fleur McDermott stated that anything made of brass was taken.

The Ariana is a 34-foot wooden launch built in 1923. The Norita is a replica vessel and a former steam-powered boat converted to diesel. Many of the stolen fittings are over 100 years old and are considered irreplaceable.

The park is appealing for the safe return of the items and has contacted scrap metal dealers and second-hand shops. McDermott said the park would be willing to pay to have the items returned. Senior Sergeant Aaron Fraser confirmed the police investigation is currently in the case assessment stage.

How it developed

• Tue 13 Oct, 3:24pmVolunteer Colin James noted that some fittings were ripped out with crowbars, causing damage to the vessels, and identified that copper piping was also stolen.

Where reports differ

• One report describes the Norita as a replica vessel, while another describes it as a former steam-powered vessel converted to diesel.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, 1News, NZ Herald and Waikato Times.