More pain for family after pounamu theft
It is not the first theft from the family’s graves
Atoken of love has been stolen from a Rotorua cemetery, leaving a wha¯nau heartbroken for a second time. Kurtis Jones’ loved ones have visited his grave at Kauae cemetery at least once a week since his death four-and-a-half years ago.
But last Monday, when his mother went to visit his grave and wipe down the headstone, the pounamu that sat on his gravesite was gone.
It was custom-made for Jones by his partner, Melissa Ewins, when he died.
Kurtis was a talented Rotorua rugby player who died of testicular cancer in April 2015.
Ewins put her heart and soul into the tribute — from the circular design (to represent an infinity bond) to carving the stand, anchoring it, beading it in, and designing the plaque.
Ewins says Jones’ memory had been violated.
“This is where our loved one is lying and someone has vandalised it; it’s caused so much pain,” she said.
Ewins also put trinkets at the gravesite from overseas
travels she and Kurtis planned but never got the chance to do. These are also missing.
Stephen Jones, Kurtis’ father, held back sobs as he said: “It was a token of love for him, it was something we really cherished.”
He said his wife was heartbroken when she discovered it was gone.
“It’s just such a disgusting, despicable act by a person who’s got no heart.”
Stephen Jones said the pounamu would have needed to either be chipped or broken.
“We did find little bits of pounamu on the ground, so obviously they damaged it taking it off,” he said.
The theft was reported to police last week.
Kurtis’ sister, Turene Huiarua Jones, has made a public plea on social media for the return of the tribute.
A cross over Kurtis’ grave was stolen a few years ago and garden bench feet were stolen from his grandparents’ graves about 10 years ago.
“That’s three things that have been taken from our little plot,” Stephen said.
“We’re gutted, but it’s something we’ll deal with, like the loss of our son,” he said.
Rotorua Lakes Council’s cultural ambassador Trevor Maxwell said he “couldn’t believe someone could stoop so low” and be that “meanspirited” to take precious taonga placed by the family of a lost loved one.
Rotorua Mayor and chairwoman of the Kauae Cemetery Trust Board Steve Chadwick said such thefts were “very distressing and disappointing”.
“It’s impossible to guarantee protection of taonga that families place on graves but the board will keep working with council staff to consider safety and security.”
In April, five headstones were knocked over at the cemetery.
Less than two weeks later, at least 10 gravesites were damaged, and ornaments and flowers smashed at Pukerimu Urupa¯ at Waiteti. Rotorua police senior sergeant Karl Konlechner said police wanted to help restore the pounamu and hold those responsible to account.
“It’s hard to fathom the lack of empathy or compassion displayed by some offenders,” he said.
The pounamu theft was reported to the police on July 2 but it was thought to have gone missing between June 14 and 21.
Police said they welcomed any information.
Anyone who has seen the pounamu, or has information about the theft can contact police on 105.