The Peace Bell was gifted to the city of Waitākere in 1997, from the Japanese city of Kakogawa. Photo: Supplied/LDR
A treasured solid bronze bell that was stolen in Auckland a week ago is yet to be recovered, with police and council pleading for its return.
The Peace Bell, a symbol of friendship between New Zealand and Japan, was stolen from the Japanese Garden beside the Henderson Civic Building.
Last Tuesday, council staff discovered the bell - which weighs about one tonne - had been taken overnight.
Council corporate services general manager Anita Furniss said they had passed on CCTV footage to police.
"The bell was a gift and so we don't know what it's dollar value might be, but it holds significant cultural value for the community," Furniss said.
"For this reason, we would dearly love to see the bell returned and those responsible held to account."
According to council, great effort was taken to steal the bell, which appeared to have been cut off and removed using heavy machinery.
The Peace Bell was found to be missing on Tuesday morning.
The bell was a gift from the Japanese city of Kakogawa, to former mayor Bob Harvey in 1997 following the signing of a friendship agreement between Waitākere City and Kakogawa in 1991.
A police spokesperson said their investigation was ongoing.
"We are continuing to locate and review any footage from the immediate area," he said.
Henderson-Massey Local Board chair Chris Carter said the peace bell had been a cherished symbol for the former Waitākere City, and for the local communities.
"We're deeply saddened that this theft has taken place in our beautiful Japanese Garden in Henderson."
Waitākere Ward councillor Ken Turner described the loss as deeply unacceptable, representing a tragic loss for the community.
"I want our Japanese community and friends to know that this does not reflect who we are, nor the values we stand for," Turner said.
Fellow ward councillor Shane Henderson shared the same sentiments, adding the theft was deeply concerning.
Anyone in the community with information that could assist police, are asked to update them online now or call 105 using the reference number 251112/1495.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
