Latest news with #Oratia
RNZ News
2 days ago
- RNZ News
Six-metre sculpture disappears from artist's West Auckland studio
Chris Moore's stolen sculpture which is part of his 'Introduced Species' series. Photo: CHRIS MOORE An Auckland artist who's huge galvanised steel sculpture was allegedly stolen last week believes it was targeted by thieves who thought it was more valuable than it is. The near six-metre sculpture went missing from an artist's studio in Oratia, West Auckland early on Friday morning. Artist Chris Moore said the sculpture, created as part of his 'Introduced Species' series, would have cost him more than $50,000 in time, materials and labour, but is likely to be worth less than $50 as scrap metal. He told Morning Report he was stunned to learn the sculpture had been taken. He said his neighbour had spotted the thieves early that morning, and tried chase after them as they fled the scene. "It's just bizarre," Moore said. "It's just something I never in a million years thought would have happened." The sculpture, a large plant, was the last piece in a series inspired by the idea of early settlers introducing different species to New Zealand, and the impact this had. "I'd love to get it back," he said. "I made it throughout the year, but I estimate it'd be just around two months to make it." The thieves targeted the statue believing it to be made of valuable bronze, Moore believed. "Even though it's just steel, it was painted and it resembled copper or bronze, the same as rest from the same series," he said. "I think that they must've just thought that it was bronze, because then it's easy for them to melt down, and it can't really be traced, and then they're able to sell it to scrap dealers." Bronze was worth a lot more than steel, Moore said. "I'm kind of hoping they realise before they cut it all to pieces and, maybe, try and dump it." Police said there had been no arrests and the investigation was ongoing. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
19-06-2025
- RNZ News
West Auckland teenager missing since Monday found
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller A West Auckland teenager missing since Monday has been located safe and well. The 15-year-old from Oratia was reported missing about 8.30pm on Monday, after he failed to return home from school. Although the teen was competent in the outdoors, police were concerned given his age and the weather. There was a possible sighting of him on Monday at 9am on Forrest Hill Road , near the intersection with Pine Avenue. Police said on Friday they would like to thank the public and media for their assistance. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
18-06-2025
- RNZ News
Possible sighting of missing teen Alexander in Auckland's Henderson
Photo: Supplied / NZ police Police have issued another appeal for missing Auckland teen Alexander after a recent sighting placing him in Henderson. They said there was a possible sighting of him on Monday at 9am on Forrest Hill Road, near the intersection with Pine Avenue. Alexander was seen wearing dark shorts, brown tramping boots and carrying a dark-coloured tramping pack. Although the teen is competent in the outdoors, police are concerned given his age and the weather. The 15-year-old from Oratia was reported missing about 8.30pm on Monday, after he failed to return home from school. Police asked for anyone who sees Alexander to call 111. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
17-06-2025
- RNZ News
Police concerned for missing teen Alexander who may have gone camping
Police and family have concerns for Alexander, who has gone missing. Photo: Supplied / NZ police Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of Alexander, who is missing in the Waiatarua area in west Auckland. The 15-year-old was reported missing about 8.30pm on Monday, after he failed to return home from school. Alexander was dropped off at Henderson High School where he was last seen at about 8.15am that day. Police have since established he did not attend school that day. They believe that since Alexander was last seen, he has returned to his home address in Oratia and taken camping equipment and other necessities. He did not show up to a planned meeting with friends on Monday night. Photo: Supplied / NZ police Search and Rescue staff are deploying to carry out searching around parts of Waiatarua where he frequents. Alexander is an avid outdoor adventurer and loves spending time in the bush, police say. It is out of character for him to not return home or let his family know of his whereabouts. Police and Alexander's family have concerns for his welfare. He is described as 180 centimetres tall, of medium build with light brown straight hair. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact police immediately on 111. People can also update police online or call 105 using the reference number 250616/4732.
