Whangārei police investigate after copper theft damages Christ Church in Regent

详细摘要

A Whangārei church was left exposed to the elements after copper thieves tore off its guttering and opened the roof “like a can of worms”. Those responsible for the damage to…

The theft of the copper guttering from Christ Church in Regent caused extensive damage and saddened community members. Photo / Chris Taplin

A Whangārei church was left exposed to the elements after copper thieves tore off its guttering and opened the roof “like a can of worms”.

Those responsible for the damage to Christ Church in Regent were urged to consider the good of the whole community before destroying infrastructure and potentially risking safety.

Kensington resident Chris Taplin noticed the damage on the Kamo Rd church on the morning of Saturday, November 7, and took photos for the Anglican Diocese while another witness called police.

While the church has been closed for more than a year, Taplin still considered himself part of the parish and was saddened by the damage.

“It just felt awful for the community. Through my lens, the church is about welcoming all-comers, caring for and loving thy neighbour,” he said.

“Nothing is sacrosanct. There is not a place, not a person, that doesn’t become affected in some way by these behaviours.”

Taplin thought the damage would be expensive to fix, with the building left exposed during heavy rain in Whangārei.

The Anglican Diocese of Auckland, which is responsible for the church, said the full repair cost was unknown.

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