Group claims to have Pania of the Reef

A group of people claiming to have the statue of Pania of the Reef have written to Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott saying they want to return it.

Mrs Arnott says she is convinced the letter is genuine.

The letter is not seeking a ransom but said it was from people who had Pania and wanted to somehow return her without being identified.

The situation was sensitive and Mrs Arnott said negotiations with those believed to be responsible for her theft a week ago were now crucial.

She has written an open letter announcing that the first step to recovering Pania has been taken, and makes it clear that if those responsible wished to leave the statue somewhere and contacted her, only council staff would go out to retrieve Pania.

Although details of exactly what was said were not being released, it did appear to back up a belief that the thieves had effectively bitten off more than they could chew and had greatly underestimated the emotional backlash from the public.

Mrs Arnott asked that those responsible consider her letter carefully and make contact.

"We do not want to close the door on these people. We need dialogue," she said.

"Pania is safe but not yet home ... we all want to see her back."

Mrs Arnott was not prepared to elaborate further on the recent developments.

Police had been made aware of the letter but had made no further comment.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY