The theft of essential surf lifesaving equipment has compromised search and rescue efforts in the Coromandel and Northern Bay of Plenty.
Last night, solar panels for the emergency radio network were stolen from the radio repeater site on the Whangamata peninsular.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand Lifesaving Manager Allan Mundy
said the theft was devastating.
"The replacement cost of the equipment is around $6,000, which is tough for a voluntary organisation, but it's not just the monetary value of the theft," he said.
"Due to the custom nature of the gear, it will take three to four weeks to construct the brackets needed to hold the panels onto the antenna site. This is going to severely compromise our lifeguarding operations over the busiest time of year, the Christmas holidays."
