A Nelson man who regularly walks on Tāhunanui Beach is keen to know who the owner might be of items found lying behind a sand dune.
Rob Slotemaker is concerned that a person named “Ben” is missing a memorial plaque to his mother, which was among the items found with clothing, shoes and a Crowded House CD.
Rob first noticed the small pile of items, which appeared to have been a shrine, a couple of weeks ago.
He looked closer when walking in the same spot a week ago and noticed the items were still there, apparently untouched.
It was then he discovered the plaque, which was beneath the clothing. The police were notified and inspected the items, along with Rob who showed them to the location, but said they did not express particular concern. They said there were no reports of anyone missing by that name and surmised the items might have been stolen.
The police were otherwise instructed to leave the items in case the owner returned to retrieve them, Rob says.
The items included what appeared to be a pair of women’s slip-on sandals, clothing, a small plastic “egg” and the plaque from possibly a memorial seat or an urn bearing the simple phrase: “Mum. I will always love you. Ben. 11 April 2005.
Rob says the items were still there on Sunday.
“I’m a little concerned for Ben, whoever he may be,” Rob says.
If there’s anyone out there who knows a Ben who lost his Mum in April 2005, please email sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz
