Wayne Roycroft changes the slashed tyre of his Kia Pregio. The Nissan Lafesta parked in front was also targeted. Photo / Imran Ali
Wayne Roycroft changes the slashed tyre of his Kia Pregio. The Nissan Lafesta parked in front was also targeted. Photo / Imran Ali
Tikipunga resident Wayne Roycroft was one of many victims of tyre slashers who rampaged across Whangārei at the weekend.
On Friday and Saturday nights, tyres from more than 50 vehicles were slashed in what appears to be a drive-by attack on cars parked on suburban roadsides, mainly across Tikipunga andKamo.
Roycroft initially felt angry about this ''crime against the community'' and blamed what he described as a ''soft justice system'' on people running riot without fear of the consequences. He said if he had money to spare he would rather give it to help feed hungry children than pay for tyres.
Four ruined tyres on Roycroft's two vehicles mean he faces a $1000 bill. The vehicles were parked on Denby Cres on Saturday night and tyres on the driver's side of both were slashed.
A musician, he was unable to drive to a gig on Sunday because of the damage. But after having a gripe, he started thinking about the wider fallout of the weekend's rampage.
Roycroft realised that for many people in the community the consequences would go beyond inconvenience. Many would struggle to replace their tyres, he said.
He now hopes to help by holding a fundraiser mini-concert, even if it's little more than a jam session, at Sunday's Tikipunga Market — providing the market organisers and Tikipunga Tavern agree to it.
''It made me think that instead of a community feeling beaten and negative about this senseless act, let's show we can rise above it and help each other,'' Roycroft said.
''If this has upset me to this level, then it's important I do my little bit to help others who might be worse affected.''
He described taking a destructive, negative attack and creating from it ''a celebration of community spirit''.
Roycroft is going to ''round up'' his band and some muso friends for the gig, and said others might like to join in. He's not sure at this stage whether people would want to make a donation or drop some money in a kitty, busking style, but every little bit will help, he said.
He has yet to plan how the gig will work or even if the scope can be expanded, but said ''watch this space''.
As for the name of his hastily pulled together band, it is I See Red.
