Nia Owen, 12, with the custom-made surfboard taken from their car roof in Okara Park shopping complex on Monday. Photo / Supplied
An aspiring 12-year-old Waipū surfer was left in tears when her custom surfboard, lovingly painted by her dad, was taken from the family's car as they made a pit stop in Whangārei.
Rhys Owen - a HC Surfboards spray painter, sander, and finisher - was disappointed someone had pinched the
5'9" HC "Rumpsteak" custom board proudly owned by his daughter, Nia.
"She has been surfing since she was5 years old. This board has helped her progress to the next step, which is more performance-focused," Owen said. "For her one and only board to be taken, you know, it's definitely made her sad."
Nia and her family were excitedly on their way to the Far North for a holiday on Monday when they pulled into Okara Park shopping complex in Whangārei to pick up some supplies around 11.30am.
The family of keen surfers had their prized surfboards stored in board bags and strapped securely to the roof of their car.
