Fond memories of New Zealand
Nico Lustig and Janina Hinnear will return to Germany soon, with fond memories of their time in New Zealand despite what happened to them at Ahipara.
Almost all their possessions were stolen when a thief broke into their car at Te Kohanga on March 4, including the ring that Nico was planning to offer to Janina when he proposed to her.
Within hours of the Northland Age publishing their story they had received offers of replacement rings, including one from a King Country jeweller, accommodation and money, from around the country and even the United States.
“We are overwhelmed from the hospitality that reaches us,” Nico said, adding that he and Janina would leave New Zealand with fond memories.
“Our negative experience is not the thing that we will associate to New Zealand. We will remember all this great support, the warm and selfless people, and the willingness to share,” he said.
It had never their intention to ask for anything. They had simply hoped that by making their story known more people would be looking out for their stolen property.
As of last week they had had no news of their belongings, but they were gratified that so many people had wanted to help them.
“We got such great feedback from the article (Thief ruins Nico’s proposal) and just wanted to give a little feedback,” Nico said.
“Our negative experience is not the thing what we associate with New Zealand. We will remember all this great support, the warm and selfless people and their willingness to share.
“We have sorted all the things and got some new stuff, and have continued our journey.”
Many people had wanted to send money, he added, but he and Janina did not have a bank account in New Zealand.