Houry, who works as a paramedic for Hato Hone St John in Auckland, learned of the theft from her brother, who noticed vehicle tracks leading to their securely locked barn.

She immediately reported the incident to the police and took to social media after officers told her they could only take action if a passerby noticed Pixie and reported her.

To make matters worse, the perpetrators also stole the family boat that same afternoon when the officers arrived to collect evidence.

A police spokesman confirmed this and added that they had since advised the owner and were also investigating further thefts on the farm.

Two months before her retirement, the single mother had recently purchased a vehicle to take her caravan on a national holiday to visit her daughter in Dunedin and meet other relatives and friends.

“This was supposed to be my first chance in 12 long years. I’ve worked hard over time to save enough to pay the bills and provide for the kids.

“I worked so hard for the community as a paramedic, taking care of sick people. This trip was something I did for myself for a change. But that’s no longer possible.”

Houry recalled buying the caravan on Trade Me because it looked “cute and small.”

“I named her after my nickname Pixie, which my father lovingly kept. Also, in his final days, when he was suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s, he confused my daughter with me and called her Pixie.

“So it has priceless sentimental value. And I just want it back.”

Houry added that she would gladly pay a reward to get Pixie back, “no questions asked.”

She urges residents in the north who may have seen her caravan with registration number C688J to report it to the police on 105 and quoting reference number 240822/7871.

Avneesh Vincent is a crime and rescue reporter at Lawyer of the North. He previously worked at Gisborne Herald as an arts and environment reporter and is passionate about reporting on stories that can make a difference. He joined NZME in July 2023.