For more than two decades, Aroha Mai Cancer Support Services in Rotorua has stood as a beacon of comfort and hope, offering a safe haven for individuals and whānau navigating the weight of a cancer diagnosis. But over the weekend, that sanctuary was shattered by a devastating break-in that left the organisation and the local community in disbelief.
For Kaihautū Bubsie MacFarlane, who has dedicated her life to helping those facing life’s toughest battles, the act of violence was a painful blow to a service built entirely on unconditional care and endless aroha.
“This has been my job for 20 odd years, and I never thought of anything like this – because my job is for the community, not for myself,” MacFarlane said through tears.
The burglars targeted items vital to the day-to-day relief provided to vulnerable patients, including basic kitchen amenities, toiletry packs, and essential support vouchers intended to ease the financial strain on whānau travelling for medical treatment.
“They ripped the two safes out of the wall, yanked them out of the wall, and those safes held the food and petrol vouchers for our clients that we give them when we’ve got them,” MacFarlane recalled, highlighting the sheer disregard shown toward those who rely on Aroha Mai during their most fragile moments.
Reflecting on the stark contrast between the hardship of those seeking help and the actions of those who broke in, MacFarlane expressed deep heartbreak for the people served by the centre.
“You know you do all this work for the community and somebody has no idea what these people go through. I know people out there are homeless, but these ones here are fighting an illness which is different,” she says.
The disruption forced Aroha Mai to pause its essential services while staff processed the aftermath and worked alongside police to assess the damage, creating a painful delay for families in urgent need of guidance, transportation, and emotional care.
“The problem that they’ve done for us is that they’ve put us back by three or four days, you know – helping someone go through their journey.”
Despite the heartbreak, the Rotorua community and local police rallied around the organisation, leading to the recovery of some of the stolen property and offering a sense of hope during a dark week. Expressing profound gratitude to the police officers and community members who assisted in the recovery effort, Aroha Mai has proudly reopened its doors today, refusing to let the violation compromise its core mission.
As the centre resumes full operations, MacFarlane reaffirmed Aroha Mai’s unwavering promise to support patients and their loved ones every step of the way.
“We are not only here for the patients, but the whānau/ support person as well. We have an open door policy, so if you have a need, don’t be afraid to reach out!”