Reward offered for memorial bench’s return
A reward has been offered for the safe return of a ‘‘precious’’ memorial bench, missing from Nelson’s Boulder Bank.
Nelson woman Megan Norquay had the bench installed on the Department of Conservation (DOC) walking track, following her terminal cancer diagnosis.
But on New Year’s Eve the macrocarpa bench went missing and little information has come to light about where it has gone.
Now a $500 reward for the bench’s return has been offered, thanks to the generosity of those supportive of the gift to the community. Norquay said since the bench’s disappearance was made public, she’d received a number of messages of support.
‘‘It is quite overwhelming the amount of support and willingness to help replace the koru bench,’’ she said.
‘‘Several people have offered money as reward for the bench return.’’ She thought a reward of $500 might encourage someone to come forward.
The messages of support, as well as the offer of reward money, highlighted the number of people who had enjoyed the bench.
The missing wooden threeseater features a koru design at the centre, and was positioned just beyond the children’s playground between the Glen carpark and the Nelson end of the Boulder Bank.
Norquay decided instead of planning a funeral, she’d plan a memorial bench at the special place she and her family had enjoyed.
It was made and designed by Trubets in Nelson and Norquay said the design now featured in their catalogue. Norquay said Trubets had offered to make a replacement koru bench, free of charge, with DOC happy to pick it up and reinstall it.
‘‘So that is all wonderful news, yet I hold out first of all for the koru bench to be returned. It was bought as a memorial and place to go and enjoy the peace and beauty of the area.’’
She said everyone who walked the path could enjoy the bench and it had been special for her family to go there.
‘‘Now though it is so very sad, having the bench missing, just so sad.’’
Norquay gifted the bench to DOC, and staff had bolted the large bench to a concrete slab on the track.
The bench had been there for several months and Norquay said it was well-loved and used by members of the Nelson community – particularly those from the Glen.
Police are investigating and anyone with information can contact them on 03 546 3840, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Nelson DOC staff can be reached on 03 546 9335.