Police have recovered a culturally significant mere pounamu allegedly stolen from a church museum in Hamilton. The taonga was returned to its custodians after investigators traced it to a property in Tokoroa.
Report by elocal: Based on reporting by RNZ. Original article https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/crime-and-justice/687328/man-charged-after-taking-mere-pounamu-from-church-museum.
Alleged Theft From Museum
A 45-year-old man has been charged with burglary after allegedly taking a mere pounamu from the Pacific History Centre operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hamilton.
Police allege the man stepped over a barrier inside the public museum before removing the taonga from a display mounted on the wall.
The disappearance of the mere was reported during the weekend of 4 July, prompting an investigation by Waikato Police's Tactical Crime Unit.
CCTV Leads Police To Tokoroa
Investigators examined CCTV footage captured at the museum, allowing officers to identify a vehicle believed to be connected to the alleged burglary.
The investigation led police to a property in Tokoroa, where a search warrant was executed.
During the search, officers located the missing mere pounamu.
Police subsequently returned the taonga to the museum.
Constable Kyarn Crawford returns the precious mere to Leader Nathan Petty. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
A Treasured Taonga
Museum director Matthew Cowley said staff were shocked by the theft.
"We were quite shocked to find one of our treasures was taken. It's an extremely valuable piece."
He thanked police for recovering the taonga and returning it safely.
"We are very thankful to police for their assistance in returning it and putting it back into its rightful place."
Court Proceedings
The 45-year-old man was due to appear in the Tokoroa District Court on a burglary charge.
Police also confirmed a second man is facing a charge of receiving in connection with the incident.
As with all criminal proceedings, the charges remain allegations until proven in court.
Why A Mere Pounamu Matters
A mere pounamu is far more than a traditional Māori weapon.
Carved from New Zealand greenstone (pounamu), many mere are regarded as taonga—treasured cultural objects that carry historical, spiritual and whakapapa significance. They are often handed down through generations and can represent leadership, status, peace agreements or important family and tribal history.
For museums, iwi and custodians, the value of such taonga extends well beyond their material worth. Their cultural importance makes their protection and preservation a matter of national heritage as well as public trust.
Source
Original Article: Man charged after taking mere pounamu from church museum (https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/crime-and-justice/687328/man-charged-after-taking-mere-pounamu-from-church-museum)
Author: RNZ