Man appears in court over stolen Highlanders equipment

Otago Daily Times

08-05-2025

Highlanders' halfback Nathan Hastie fires off a pass during their Super Rugby Pacific match against Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium in February. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
An Auckland man has been arrested and two others are on the run after allegedly stealing almost $40,000 worth of equipment belonging to the Highlanders rugby team.
The New Zealand Herald reported yesterday the incident occurred during the Dunedin team's stay in Auckland, a day after their victory over Moana Pasifika in round three of Super Rugby Pacific on February 28.
Auckland City area investigations manager Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said in a statement police received a report of three people allegedly seen breaking into a vehicle in a carpark outside an Albert St building about 3am on March 1.
The trio were allegedly "removing a number of items" from the vehicle, Det Snr Sgt Friend said.
Court documents state items stolen included laptops, tablets and "specialised rugby equipment", valued at $38,303.53.
"A search warrant executed in Eden Tce [on April 15] located charging cables belonging to the stolen laptops," police said.
It is unclear if all of the stolen property has been recovered.
A 33-year-old man appeared in the Auckland District Court on Monday charged with theft and has been remanded in custody ahead of his second appearance on Tuesday.
The maximum penalty for the offence is seven years' imprisonment.
New Zealand Rugby referred all questions to the Highlanders.
The Highlanders declined to comment. — APL