WAINONI GNOME CUSTODY BATTLE ENTERS THIRD WEEK, TWO HENDERSON FAMILIES REFUSE TO SPEAK AT LETTERBOX

A garden gnome named Keith is at the centre of a dispute between two unrelated Henderson families on a Wainoni cul-de-sac. Both claim they've owned him since before the quakes.

The gnome has a red hat, a chipped boot, and a fishing rod. He has been photographed on the lawn of number 12 and the lawn of number 20 on alternating Tuesdays since September. Neither family will say how he keeps moving.

Denise Henderson, of number 12, told The Daily Yarn that Keith was a wedding gift from the late Ron in 1987 and had never left the property. She added that the Hendersons at number 20 were "a pack of wee shits, frankly".

Gavin Henderson, of number 20, said Denise was "away with the fairies" and that his mother bought Keith at the Riccarton Rotary Market in 1992. The receipt, he said, was "in a box in the garage, behind the whipper-snipper".

A neighbour, who asked not to be named because she still has to live there, said she'd seen "a figure in a dressing gown" cross the road at 4.20am carrying something gnome-shaped. She would not say which dressing gown.

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL

Christchurch City Council is aware of community concerns regarding an ornamental garden feature in the Wainoni area. Council does not have jurisdiction over the ownership of privately held decorative items. Residents are encouraged to resolve such matters through appropriate community channels. A review of relevant bylaws may be undertaken in due course, should circumstances warrant. Council notes that the item in question is not currently obstructing a footpath, berm, or stormwater asset. Residents experiencing distress in relation to this matter are reminded that mediation services may be available through third-party providers. Further updates will be issued as and when appropriate.