English woman not put off staying despite theft

PALMERSTON NORTH - An Englishwoman has not been put off living in New Zealand despite being here for only a month before being burgled of most of her possessions, including precious family jewellery.

Jane Heath, a nurse from Southampton, had been in New Zealand for a month and in her house, near Bunnythorpe in Manawatu, for a week when thieves paid her a visit.

And to top it off, she hadn't had time to get insurance.

"I've only been here a week . . . and the neighbours said to me 'don't worry about it, it's safe'."

The thieves' haul included her lawnmower, cordless iron, DVD player, CDs, laptop, digital camera, iPod, phone, beer and cigarettes.

But the most distressing loss was the family jewellery.

A heavy gold chain bracelet, worth about 400 pounds ($1026), was a gift from Miss Heath's father to her mother, who died four years ago.

A gold orchid necklace given to her by her mother is also missing, along with two opal and ruby rings and a watch, which all belonged to her grandmother, she said.

Despite her rough introduction to the country, she isn't about to pack up and go home.

"It hasn't put me off New Zealand, but it's made me wary."

Besides, she couldn't leave even if she wanted to.

"They nicked my suitcase," she said.

- NZPA