Rugby-mad Henare Parangi is frugal with money but will do what he can to replace his monster flat screen TV that was stolen during a break-in while he was away.
The 39-year-old Whangarei man who suffers from cerebral palsy is gutted some low-lives chose to nick his beloved television and deprived him of watching his favourite sport and the not-to-be-missed Shortland Street.
He left home to visit his whanau at Te Tii on December 16 last year and discovered the theft upon his return last Monday. Also stolen were a DVD player, a radio, a computer modem, meat from the freezer and assorted groceries. The thieves gained entry by jamming a window open.
Mr Parangi celebrates his 40th birthday next month and is upset about the burglary, but determined to move on.
Speaking on his behalf, general manager disability support services for the Ngati Hine, Janice Gardner, said the theft was devastating for a person who worked hard to get what he wanted for his house.