Couple offer reward for stolen buddha

Onerahi resident Roger Alchin is offering a reward for the return of his buddha. Photo / John Stone

In the middle of the night, a thief went to the door of Roger and Bev Alchin's home and walked away with one of their prized possessions - a large buddha they had cherished for 27 years.

Now the Onerahi residents are offering a $100 reward for its safe return.

The buddha had adorned their front door but disappeared on the night of April 12.

"We've been hoping that every time they look at it their conscience will lead them to drop it off one night," Mr Alchin said.

The couple bought it on their 20th wedding anniversary in Australia.

"It's just such a peaceful statue and it sort of represents what we want in our home," Mr Alchin said.

"We've never seen anything like it in New Zealand."

It stood just under 0.5m tall, cost about $150 at the time and weighed 25kg.

"So it's sort of not something that you would just pick up and put under your arm," Mrs Alchin said.

"We couldn't believe it and then we thought of them coming right to our front door."

Also stolen was a clay monk about the same size, though it did not have any sentimental value and could be replaced.

"We got the impression that somebody has been looking around and seen it and they've targeted these items," Mr Alchin said.

The couple is asking for the buddha back, no questions asked. Anyone with information should contact police.