After a devasting break-in at Ōropi School over New Year’s, principal Andrew King said the response from the Ōropi community has been “heart-warming”.

“It’s great that the communities came together so strongly to help out,” King said.

Thieves stole four power drills, an electrical orbital sander, a multi-tool, electric drills, and other power tools during the break-in, he said.

The shed was in an out-of-the-way location, and King believed it was intentionally targeted by people who knew it was there.

He said students used the tools to build school seats, bird boxes, and rat traps around the school.

The Year 1 to 8 school, which has just a few hundred students and can trace its history back to 1899, is located on the outskirts of Tauranga.

Security footage would have to be reviewed to determine when the break-ins could have occurred, as it could be anywhere from December 20 to New Year’s Day, King said.

Due to the response from the community, King was unsure if an insurance claim and police report would be made about the thefts.

King has posted on Facebook about the break-ins and saw a quick response after a story ran on SunLive, he said.

“It was so nice to have got some publicity for people to respond with offers of replacement equipment.”

Donations from groups like Menzshed Ōmokoroa, retirees, and landscaping businesses will enable students to complete their projects this year, King said.

“Pupils will return to school on February 3,” he said.

Menzshed Ōmokoroa were able to help the school where they could, president Dick Megchelse said.

“We are just trying to figure out what is best.”

Megchelse said Menzshed offered some power tools to Ōropi School but felt this would be inappropriate due to safety concerns.