An international exchange student is offering a $3000 reward for the return of a stolen laptop containing vital university work and photos.
Nathan Merryfield, from Worcester in the United Kingdom, was in the South Island travelling with four friends when their rental van was broken into and their valuables stolen the night before they were due to head back to Auckland.
The incident happened as the group were out drinking at a Christchurch bar. The van was parked in a nearby lot in the city centre.
"We came back around 2am, and I was on my own at the start... and I just saw all of my clothes scattered around the side of the van," said Mr Merryfield. "I thought, OK, something's not right. I opened the door ... and saw five full bags had all gone."
Mr Merryfield, who is spending six months studying at the Unitec Institute of Technology in Mt Albert, said the thieves had broken into the van through the driver's side window.