Justice Delayed, Life Derailed — Help Bobby (A Type-1-Diabetic) Rebuild After Surgery and Car Theft

On 7 August 2025, Robert “Bobby” Stewart was in Rotorua Hospital recovering from surgery for serious complications from type 1 diabetes — a condition that forced him to leave his 20-year farming career and go on a benefit while searching for work in Auckland to support himself and his 16-year-old son.

Bobby is a proud, hardworking man who has always provided for his family and never asked for help. But while he lay in a hospital bed, his car — his only means of getting to medical appointments, seeing his son, and attending job interviews — was stolen from the hospital carpark.

Friends and family quickly tracked and located it, photographing it there with its wheels swapped. Despite providing police with this evidence and the exact address, officers refused to act without a warrant — even though a sergeant could have signed one immediately. Calls were ignored, hung up on, and delayed. After continuous calls and talks of going to the media if something wasn't done the police finally visited the property the following night where the vehicle was reported to have been, the car was gone. No arrests. No recovery. No investigation.

Now Bobby is left without transport, without justice, and without the independence he needs to manage his health and rebuild his life. Due to not being able to afford insurance Bobby is left with no funds to get a vehicle. This fundraiser will help him replace his vehicle so he can focus on recovery, support his son, and return to work.