In a peculiar incident that could easily be mistaken for a scene out of a science fiction movie, a quiet neighborhood near Hastings was recently startled by an unexpected visitor from the sky. Unlike the typical extraterrestrial suspects, this object had a far more terrestrial origin. A chunk of iron, later identified as a part from a wood-splitter, made a dramatic entrance through the roof of a local resident’s home in Whakatu, leaving behind a gaping hole and a bewildered homeowner. The event unfolded about a month ago when the homeowner discovered the iron piece lying on his living room floor. In response to the unusual occurrence, authorities at Napier airport were promptly notified. They, in turn, advised the pilot of a light plane, which had been flying in the vicinity on its way to Wellington, to make an unscheduled stop at Palmerston North for a mechanical inspection. This precautionary measure was taken to rule out the possibility that the aircraft was missing any parts.
However, the mystery was soon resolved when Sergeant Bob Gordon revealed that the iron fragment had broken off from a wood-splitter, dispelling any initial theories of aviation-related mishaps. In an unexpected twist, the iron piece found a second life on the TradeMe auction website, thanks to a neighbor living near the damaged home. The individual decided to auction off the “genuine UFO” – as it was humorously listed – with the intention of donating the proceeds to the homeowner affected by the incident. Despite the item’s newfound fame and its billing as an object that made international news, the auction concluded with the bidding falling short of the reserve price by $95, capping off at $655. This quirky tale of a wood-splitter part turned “UFO” not only brought a community together but also added a unique chapter to the annals of unexpected airborne objects.