Generosity mends fence | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

Two members of the public disgusted by the vandalism to Dannevirke resident Tom Collier's fence have generously donated pickets to help repair the damage.

Last week, the Dannevirke News reported Mr Collier returned from holiday to find vandals had smashed several pickets on his fence and then overnight, more damage occurred. Following the story, Mr Collier received a phone call from a man who said he had spare pickets sitting in his garage which he could have.

"The gentleman dropped off about 20 pickets to me and I painted some before realising the profile of them was not quite the same as the ones I have," Mr Collier said.

"Luckily, they were really long so I have taken them to Native Woodcraft and they are going to reshape them for me."

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, called the Dannevirke News last week and said she was horrified to hear of Mr Collier's plight.

She purchased a number of pickets from Mitre 10 and asked for them to be passed on.

"This is just terrible for Mr Collier. Here is a man who has served his country fighting in the war and has done a lot of great work in the Dannevirke community.

"He probably takes a lot of pride in his home and every time he turns around some hooligan is wrecking his place. It is just not on," she said.

The woman said Mitre 10 had agreed to shape them free of charge for Mr Collier.

"There is enough for him to repair his fence and have a few spare, but hopefully it doesn't keep on happening," she said.

Mr Collier said he was amazed at the generosity of people in the community and said it was nice to know there were decent citizens around.

"Well, this is the other side of the fence isn't it," he said.

"We have some wonderful people living in our community but it is a real shame we have vandals as well.

"I am very grateful to these people who have stepped up to help."