Third arrest in Pania of the Reef theft case

Napier Police have made a third arrest in relation to the theft of the city's iconic Pania of the Reef statue.

Detective Sergeant Mike Foster said a 25-year-old man had this afternoon been charged with the theft of Pania.

The bronze statue was stolen from Marine Parade on the city's waterfront on October 27.

On Friday afternoon, police found Pania at a Napier property and charged two people with theft, and unrelated cannabis offences.

Che Te Kooti Dion Rogan, 27, and Shiralee Valerie Rogan, 26, appeared briefly in Napier District court on Saturday.

The pair were remanded in custody to reappear today, and would be joined in court by the man arrested this afternoon, Mr Foster said.

Further arrests remained a possibility, he said.

- NZPA