Repatriation

Te Papa Tongarewa is undertaking a formal repatriation programme of kōiwi tangata Māori and koimi  Moriori (Māori and Moriori ancestral remains) to New Zealand and to hapū/iwi communities of origin. The New Zealand government has agreed to fund Te Papa Tongarewa to undertake this work on its behalf. All queries regarding this programme should be addressed to Te Papa in the first instance.

In February 2001, the Board of Te Papa Tongarewa approved its policy on matters relating to kōiwi/koimi tangata Māori and Moriori. The policy provides a comprehensive framework for the management and care of kōiwi/koimi tangata in the Museum’s guardianship. It provides guidelines for responding to requests to repatriate kōiwi/koimi tangata from overseas institutions and museums.  It also provides guidelines for repatriating to hapū and iwi.

> Download the policy

For a list of Te Papa's repatriation projects click here

Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme

In 2003, the government mandated Te Papa to develop a formal programme for the repatriation of kōiwi/koimi tangata from international institutions to iwi.

Objectives of the Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme include:

• carrying out quality research with appropriate tikanga
• bringing kōiwi/koimi tangata home from overseas institutions and museums
• facilitating their final resting place through engagement with iwi
• maintaining close communication with iwi
• working under the guidance and advice of experts in the form of a Repatriation Advisory Panel.

To learn more about the Karanga Aotearoa team click here

Repatriation Resources

These resources explore the steps in the repatriation process, and provide information about the guidelines and procedures followed by the programme. The resources are also available in hard copy.

Click here to access the resources

Contact details

For repatriation queries and requests for further information please contact:

Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme
Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand
PO Box 467
Wellington
New Zealand
Email: repatriation@tepapa.govt.nz

Tukuna mai he kapunga oneone ki a au hei tangi

Send me a handful of soil so I may weep over it