Daylight mugging dumbfounds Faroe Islands student

AFS student Finn Joensen had his wallet stolen after being attacked in Whangarei. Picture / John Stone

Exchange student Finn Joensen travelled across the globe to experience Kiwi culture - only to be robbed in broad daylight.

A group of youths attacked the 17-year-old Faroe Islander as he walked along a Whangarei street about 4.45pm on Friday.

They stole his wallet containing $12 he had raised selling chocolates.

One of his assailants punched him in the face before the group walked off along Anzac Rd in Morningside.

Three youths, aged between 14 and 16, were arrested the following night and charged with aggravated robbery as well as burglary, car theft and stealing from cars.

Mr Joensen was dumbfounded by the brazen attack.

"I was shocked because it was in broad daylight. I didn't expect anything to happen to me even though I was alone," he said.

A robbery is big news in his homeland, a group of islands in the North Atlantic between Scotland, Norway and Iceland, where crime is almost non-existent.

"This doesn't happen to anyone at home. I told my parents and they were a little bit shocked," Mr Joensen said.

Although he has been in Northland for seven months, the American Field Service (his exchange programme) is still trying to arrange a permanent homestay for him.

He has had four temporary placements since arriving in New Zealand in February and is now staying with AFS support co-ordinator Christine Frost.

She said it was becoming difficult to find families willing to host students on the programme, which aims to foster peace through cultural exchanges.

Unlike international fee-paying students, those on the AFS programme do not pay to stay in host families' homes. Students are expected to be treated as part of the family.

"Finn is a wonderful guest, extremely helpful around the house," Mrs Frost said.

Despite the setbacks, the Faroe Islands teenager has a positive view of New Zealand and still hopes to try surfing before he leaves.

"Generally my impression is very good. Most people are very kind and have good manners. I guess the robbery could have happened to anyone. I was just unfortunate," Mr Joensen said.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)