one of NZ's biggest problems is that no-one takes responibilty of actions. Kids are let off because they are kids whereas their parents should have to take responsibilty for them and have to pay for the kids wrong doing.
This will get a few of you going but its not meant to do so... Student LOANS are exactly that. They are a loan and when some-one takes a loan, they have to pay it back or it would be called a gift or hand out. People in general take no responsibilty for them selves or their kids.
I belive that there should be no "limited liability" companies for instance and that a dept should stay untill paid back in total.
These kids that stole the pony should be held (or their parents) accountable for their actions and maybe should have to work the cost of the damage off or stay with them and their parents untill it is paid off. This would mean no overseas trips and not hire purchase or mortages