Thousands of dollars' worth of horse gear stolen from a unique pony-trekking club in Kawhia has stunned locals who say at-risk kids will be the big losers.
The man who runs and funds the club from his own pocket has taken vulnerable youth on at least 500 treks, but without bridles, lead ropes and halters they'll now be going nowhere.
Trek organiser Bevan Taylor says his big mistake was trusting people.
"Thinking it was okay because, you know, we're not too worried about the public; they support us and we know all the horsy people around," says Mr Taylor.
But someone snatched the gear put out on the deck ahead of last weekend's 50-kilometre trek.
"There's no local around here that would do that to us. They know what we do," he says.
Mr Taylor takes at-risk children trekking in the wilderness, and helps them with exploring attitudes, giving them some grounding and working on their self-esteem. That kind of experience is in short supply around Kawhia.
"They're looking for activities; they're looking for guidance; they're looking for leadership," says Mr Taylor. "They're looking for … a bit of structure there from a mature adult that will show them how to do things."
But they can't do anything without riding gear.
"[There are] a lot of disappointed kids. We were all looking forward to this trek and so they're all gutted as you'd expect," says Mr Taylor.
But instead of moaning about the loss, Mr Taylor, a solo father of triplets, is improvising.
"Whatever works, and right now bailing twine is in abundance," he says.
It means two of a dozen horses can be ridden, but Mr Taylor is determined to make gear out of flax if he has to.
"[It] hasn't been one of my skills, actually plaiting, so I'm just waiting on a little booklet to see if now we can make up some halters and stuff and get this show back on the road again."
Mr Taylor's message to the thieves is simple: bring back the gear. He says it won't earn them much, but it's priceless for the children.
Those wishing to support Mr Taylor's club can email info@kawhia.co.nz or contact the Kawhia General Store on (07) 871 0711.
3 News
source: newshub archive
