Nine To Noon Community rallies to support Northland burglary victim
Mar 17, 2026
John Archer, a long-serving Far North electrician, talks about having three vehicles and decades of irreplaceable tools stolen. He recounts how the theft happened and why bespoke, gifted tools made the loss so painful. He shares the personal and family impact. He also describes a community fundraising drive that raised about $4,000–$4,500 to help him recover.
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Sparky Sees Theft Unfold At His Remote Property
- John Archer watched thieves steal three vehicles and decades of tools from his gated Tauranga Bay property.
- He'd previously had smaller thefts like chainsaws and a mower and believes it's the same crowd targeting his remote, mile-off-main-road place.
Tools Are More Than Equipment For Tradies
- Tools represented 40 years of bespoke collection and sentimental value that insurance can't fully replace.
- Many items were irreplaceable, some gifted, and some are no longer sold, making recovery emotionally and practically difficult.
Community Crowdfunds Thousands For Their Local Sparky
- A local school friend, David Freer, set up a Givealittle page and quickly raised about $4,000 to help replace uninsured tools.
- Around two-thirds of the community who donated are people John has worked for, showing tight local connections.