Theft of Tiori Toru sculpture
A sculpture named Tiori Toru, by artist Karin de Beer, was stolen from the outdoor sculpture exhibition at the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei in the early hours of August 24. Police said the theft occurred at about 3.15am, with the thief unbolting the work from a stone base and riding off with it under one arm on a bicycle.
The sculpture, made of pōhutukawa wood with glass inlays, stood about 1.4m by 600mm and represented three native bird species: kererū, tūī, and pīwakawaka. Its name, chosen by a representative of the local hapū, means 'three voices' in te reo Māori. The work had been installed less than two months before it went missing.
Gallery and police appeals
Hundertwasser Art Centre director Joost de Bruin told 1News that the sculpture had been bolted to a rock and that the person responsible had come prepared. "It does look to us like this was not a spur of the moment thing, but it was a bit more carefully prepared than that," he said. "This was somebody who was able to do that remarkably skilfully in a short amount of time."
Senior Sergeant Charmaine Smith said the offender left the scene on a bike and the sculpture had not yet been located. "While enquiries are ongoing, we are asking for the public's help in identifying the person responsible for the theft," she said. "Police want to ensure the sculpture is safely returned to its rightful spot."
The art centre has asked for the sculpture's return with no questions asked. De Bruin described the piece as "a beautiful sculpture," noting the positive feedback it had received from the community.
The artist, Karin de Beer, was sad, disappointed and frustrated by the theft, according to de Bruin. "She did say it's kind of like a backhanded compliment when your work is stolen," he added, saying she felt most keenly that the opportunity to share the work with locals, other New Zealanders and overseas visitors was now gone.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact 105, quoting file number 260824/0597.