Year in jail for Pania thief

The Pania statue back in place in Napier after the theft. Picture / Hawkes Bay Today

A Napier man has been sentenced to 12 months in jail for the theft of the Pania of the Reef statue.

Charles Nukunuku has been refused leave to apply for home detention.

There was public outcry in Napier when the statue went missing from Marine Parade.

In sentencing at the Napier District Court, Judge Dean said the monetary worth of Pania was irrelevant. He says it is the cultural value of the statue which is significant.

Judge Tony Adeane told Nukunuku today that the theft showed that he had "very little regard for person and property and civic resources and very little respect for the community''.

The court was told Nukunuku had a history of violent and dishonest offending and owed fines totalling more than $13,000.

Pania was restored to her rightful position on Marine Parade on November 16. The bronze statue was originally unveiled in the city in 1954.

According to Maori mythology, Pania was a beautiful maiden of the sea. The statue, at the northern end of the Parade, has been a much-photographed tourist attraction.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA