Upset community call for the return of a stolen street pantry

Onehunga residents have been left disappointed after a community pantry was stolen last Sunday.

The pataki (food pantry), which was taken from Felix St, had become a community project after being donated by a local preschool.

Resident Malaina Taufa said the theft had left her and other members of the community feeling “really, really sad”.

“It was really special, and it was working, people were leaving food, there was free bread being donated from the local preschool for people who need it.

“It’s disappointing.”

Ms Taufa said that while she had considered that somebody might take it, she chose not to chain the pataki down because she did not want people to feel that there was mistrust in the community.

“I didn’t see anything. I went out and came back and it was just gone.”

Ms Taufa said that the missing pataki would be discussed at a community meeting and she hopes if it is not found, the preschool will donate another.

If anyone has seen the pataki or has any information on its whereabouts, please contact CrimeStoppers at 0800 555 111.