Taranaki Media Logo
Taranaki Media
Home
Stories
Events
Videos
Photos
Places
Contact
Search (⌘K)
Light Mode

Rotokare Scenic Reserve Appeals for Help After Essential Vehicle Stolen and Burned

Rotokare Scenic Reserve Appeals for Help After Essential Vehicle Stolen and Burned
Tony Skilling

Tony Skilling

31 July 2026

Community LossCrime Rotokare Scenic Reserve
Rotokare Scenic Reserve is appealing for community support after its only on-road vehicle was stolen in Rotorua and destroyed by fire.

Rotokare Scenic Reserve is appealing for community support after the only on-road vehicle they own was stolen and set alight.

The Forester, which was generously donated in 2017, was stolen in Rotorua while one of their staff members was away for a recovery group meeting.

It was later set on fire, and neither the vehicle nor its contents were salvageable.

Rotokare Scenic Reserve says it's a devastating blow. "The vehicle is an essential part of our mahi here at Rotokare. It is the Trust’s only on-road vehicle, and its loss directly impacts our ability to deliver our work."

"Luckily, we do have insurance; however, it will not cover all the costs associated with getting a new Rotokare vehicle" the trust said in a statement.

Photos and Givealittle info below 👇

Rotokare Scenic Reserve Vehicle Theft Arson Community Appeal
f

View on Facebook

See the original post and join the conversation on Facebook.

Views
58.4K
Post clicks
3.8K
Reactions
288
Comments
45
Shares
18
View post on Facebook

Stats updated 17 Aug 2026, 7:09 am

Community Discussion

Taranaki Media31 Jul 2026

Givealittle page: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/rotokare-scenic-reserve-trust

Commented on Facebook
Facebook user31 Jul 2026

Why was the vehicle under insured?

Commented on Facebook
Facebook user31 Jul 2026

People can be just plain losers. I hope the car was dusted for fingerprints.

Commented on Facebook
Facebook user1 Aug 2026

Why why why! Do people do senseless acts.

Commented on Facebook
Facebook user1 Aug 2026

Claim insurance. As an organization it'll be a requirement to have 🤷.

Commented on Facebook
Facebook user1 Aug 2026

Can you please send in what extra you need to St Andrews OPP shop and we may be able to help in some way.

Commented on Facebook
Facebook user1 Aug 2026

Do you need a 4wd specifically?

Commented on Facebook
Facebook user2 Aug 2026

Engine still in mint condition you could pull that out and re sell it

Commented on Facebook

Join the conversation

More Stories

Police arrest fleeing drivers and impound vehicles in major Taranaki road safety operation
Police Operation

Police arrest fleeing drivers and impound vehicles in major Taranaki road safety operation

A major Taranaki road policing operation over the weekend resulted in dozens of driving infringements, five impounded vehicles, and the arrest of two fleeing drivers.

Tony Skilling12 hours ago
Million Steps Challenge launched to support Taranaki Base Hospital neonatal unit
Community Fundraiser

Million Steps Challenge launched to support Taranaki Base Hospital neonatal unit

The Taranaki Health Foundation has launched its second annual Million Steps Challenge to raise funds for comfort enhancements at the Methanex Neonatal Unit.

Tony Skilling2 days ago
Armed Police Arrest Disqualified Driver in Eltham After Firearm Report
Armed Response

Armed Police Arrest Disqualified Driver in Eltham After Firearm Report

An armed police operation in Eltham has resulted in the arrest of a disqualified driver following reports of a firearm being presented on State Highway 3 near Hāwera.

Tony Skilling4 days ago
Steph Julian Named Puke Ariki's First Writer in Residence
Arts

Steph Julian Named Puke Ariki's First Writer in Residence

New Plymouth author Steph Julian has been announced as Puke Ariki’s first-ever writer in residence, coinciding with Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Week.

Tony Skilling4 days ago
Taranaki Base Hospital super clinics halve specialist wait times for over 2,000 patients
Health Update

Taranaki Base Hospital super clinics halve specialist wait times for over 2,000 patients

Weekend super clinics at Taranaki Base Hospital have halved wait times for orthopaedic and ENT patients, clearing a backlog of more than 2,000 first specialist assessments.

Tony Skilling5 days ago
Man in custody following firearms incident in Stratford
Police Update

Man in custody following firearms incident in Stratford

A man is in custody and schools were placed into lockdown as a precaution following a firearms incident on Oberon Street in Stratford.

Tony Skilling1 week ago
On The House completes major infrastructure upgrade at Bell Block hub
Community News

On The House completes major infrastructure upgrade at Bell Block hub

Taranaki food rescue charity On The House has expanded its capacity with a new electric refrigerated truck and a massive walk-in freezer.

Tony Skilling1 week ago
Massive Underground Water Leak Discovered at New Plymouth District Council Civic Centre
Infrastructure Alert

Massive Underground Water Leak Discovered at New Plymouth District Council Civic Centre

A silent underground water leak outside the New Plymouth District Council Civic Centre was losing 5,000 litres of water an hour before blowing the site's water meter.

Tony Skilling1 week ago
Taranaki Hooker Bradley Slater Receives Urgent All Blacks Call-Up for South Africa Tour
All Blacks

Taranaki Hooker Bradley Slater Receives Urgent All Blacks Call-Up for South Africa Tour

Taranaki rugby standout Bradley Slater has been drafted into the All Blacks squad to replace the injured George Bell for the tour of South Africa.

Tony Skilling1 week ago
View All Stories