Coins bound for hospice stolen from wishing well

Waipapa Rotary members, from left, Jeff Cleghorn, Geoff Tilley and Warwick Woollams, with French visitor Flavien Pineau, examining the damage done to the wishing well. Photo/Supplied

Northlanders are being urged to keep an eye out for dirty, water-stained coins after a wishing well raising money for hospice was raided.

The wishing well next to the jetty at Kerikeri's Stone Store Basin is maintained by the Waipapa Rotary Club and its proceeds donated to Hospice Mid Northland.

However, on a recent visit club members were disappointed to find a "local miscreant" had damaged the well and taken most of the donated coins.

Member Geoff Tilley said the well was clearly labelled as being for the benefit of the local hospice, a facility available to everyone at a time of maximum need.

"Sooner or later we may all tread a path to hospice," he said.

"Obviously this person of low attitude to life felt the ill-gotten gains would do more in their pocket than for those in pain and trying to face the end of their lives in dignity."

The coins the thief could not reach would not pay for the necessary repairs.

"So the loser is hospice and ultimately everyone in the area, including the lowlife involved," Mr Tilley said.

If you have any information about the theft, or know anyone who has come by a supply of dirty, stained coins, call Kerikeri police on (09) 407 9211.