The response from the Ōropi community after a devasting break-in at Ōropi School over the New Year break has been “heartwarming”, the school’s principal says.

“It’s great that the communities came together so strongly to help out,” principal Andrew 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 said he 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 for 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.

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 would enable students to complete their projects this year, King said.

Menzshed Ōmokoroa president Dick Megchelse said the club was able to help the school where they could.

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

Pupils return to school today.