Waiheke is a lovely island, it was the person, not the place.

Walking back alone from a midday swim at Palm Beach about midday Tuesday January 22nd, guest Raven was punched in the head from behind, chucked over a barrier and down a bank - the attack curtailed by a neighbour arriving home.

Police and ambulance attended, Raven’s partner Glenn, who had stayed behind at the accomodation, was alerted. Raven was rushed to hospital with police escort and discharged the next day, battered, shocked, holiday - over.

Glenn returned to the Island a couple of days later to navigate collecting their gear and car.

Facing recovery from physical and psychological injury instead of the anticipated holiday in Waiheke's sanctuary, you are entitled to be angry. What struck me was Glenn’s comment “We know this is a lovely island, it was the person, not the place”.

Glenn's generosity made me want to affirm his belief in Waiheke.

I also felt a responsibility to alert residents to look out for their personal safety at this time.

Please give victims Glenn and Raven a voice by creating a buzz. Please forward this link to those who may be interested, and if you can, please donate.

As the strong community that we are, let's shine a light on this dark behaviour.

In the process we'll both protect our own and show these guests some love.