Wellington  - A thief who stole a wallet at a Waterworld complex near Hamilton on New Zealand's North Island knocked himself out when he slipped running away down some wet stairs, police said on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old thief was given first aid by staff and came round in time to answer questions from police officers called to the scene, Sergeant Jeff Penno said.

The man, who told police he had been drinking, was charged with theft. (dpa)