A New Brighton cafe owner has been left devastated after four rare bonsai trees, including one dating back to 1941, were stolen.

Aaron Curtis, owner and founder of Shiro Bonsai at New Brighton mall, said the four trees were taken on the night of Sunday 29 March.

The stolen collection included a larch established in 1941, one of his oldest trees, along with a rare Japanese black pine estimated to be about 25 years old.

Curtis said the trees were worth thousands, but their personal significance meant far more to him.

“They are history & like children to me!” he said.

His connection to bonsai began years ago after receiving his first tree, which sparked a long term passion. Multiple trips through Asia deepened his interest in cultural art, eventually leading him to specialise in bonsai.

He has since trained with international experts and built up collections across Christchurch, alongside working in horticulture and maintaining large landscape trees.

Curtis said the latest theft has left him worried it may not be the last.

“I had trees stolen from our home last October & no action was done by the police. I’m scared it will continue again,” he said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.