Whakatāne Kiwi Trust has found another one of their "incredibly special" bronze kiwi statues damaged.
The statue was found with serious structural damage; one toe is completely broken off, a fractured leg shaft, and the anchors fixing the kiwi to the rock are damaged.
Whakatāne Kiwi Trust said it can no longer remain and will be removed before further damage occurs.
"The repair process is complex and time-consuming, involving recasting broken bronze elements, rebrazing, full surface preparation, and reapplying the patina to the entire sculpture. The cost is significant – far more than a small charity can easily absorb."
It adds, "To see one deliberately damaged is deeply upsetting for everyone involved."
This is not the first incident of this sort the Trust has faced.
Vandalism and theft have become a recurring issue, one that is costing them thousands of dollars.
Two statues had previously been stolen and damaged, but both were recovered.
Several others have had to be sent back to the original artist, Liz Grant, to undergo specialist repairs.
"They represent not only Whakatāne Kiwi Trust, but our town’s pride in protecting kiwi as a taonga."
"These sculptures were created for the community to enjoy and connect with kiwi – not to be broken or damaged," the Trust explained.
It said every dollar they have to spend fixing the statues is "a dollar taken away from our core work- protecting living kiwi through trapping, monitoring, advocacy, and education."
Whakatāne Kiwi Trust is grateful to those who support their work and do their bit to protect the kiwi in the area.
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