The Ministry publishes public notices calling for claims of ownership of taonga tūturu. Claims should be lodged with the Ministry within 60 working days of the public notice being published.

Pursuant to section 11 of the Protected Objects Act 1975, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage has been notified of the finding of the following taonga tūturu:

Taranaki

Case ref: 2025/01

Lower Weld Road carpark, Tataraimaka, Taranaki

• Z23237 Māhē kōkawa (Andersite sinker)

Case ref: 2025/29

Ōtaraoa Rd, Tikorangi

• Z23287 Waka (Canoe)

Case ref: 2024/12

Paora East Road, Hawera, Taranaki

• Z23134 Toki pakohe (Argillite adze)

Case ref: 2024/17

Nukumaru Station Road, Taranaki (Part One)

• 23153 Mahi rākau (Worked wood)

• Z23154 Mahi rākau (Worked wood)

Case ref: 2024/22

Nukumaru Station Road, Taranaki (Part Two)

• Z23168-171; Z23173-174; Z23180-183 Assemblage of 10 taonga.

Case ref: 2024/35

Puketapu pā site, Onaero, Taranaki

• Z23217 Undetermined wood and undetermined object

Case ref: 2022/67

Weraweraonga Road, Mangawhio, Taranaki

• Z22255 Toki (adze)
• Z22256 Toki pakohe (Argillite adze)
• Z22257 Toki whatuaho (greywacke adze)
   

Manawatu/Whanganui

Case ref: 2025-16

Matiere, Manawatu, Whanganui

• Z23238 Toki pakohe (Argillite adze)

Wellington

Case ref: 2025/02

Waikanae, Kapiti Coast

• Z23238 Toki pakohe (Argillite adze)
• Z23239 Hōanga (Grindstone)

Case ref: 2025/03

Ngati Toa Domain, Porirua, Kapiti Coast

• Z23240 Matā ōnewa (Basalt flake)
• Z23241 Matā tūhua (Obsidian flake)
• Z23242 Matā tūhua (Obsidian flake)

Case ref: 2025/04

Wainui, Paekakariki

•Z23243 Makao (Sharke Tooth Ear Pendant)

Case ref: 2025/05

Wainui, Paekakariki

• Z23244 Pōuto tāhoata (Pumice float for fishing net)
• Z23245 Pōuto tāhoata (Pumice float for fishing net)
• Z23246 Pōuto tāhoata (Pumice float for fishing net)
• Z23247 Pōuto tāhoata (Pumice float for fishing net)
• Z23248 Mau kakī tāhoata (Pumice neck or ear pendant)

Case ref: 2025/19

Main Road, Peka Peka, Otaki expressway, Kapiti Coast

• Z23263 Matā tūhua (Obsidian flake)
• Z23264 Matā tūhua (Obsidian flake)
• Z23265 Toki pakohe (Argillite adze)
• Z23267 Toki pakohe (Argillite adze)

Case ref: 2025/20

Historic Marycrest Catholic Girls School, 701 SH1, Te Horo

• Z23266] Toki whatuaho (Greywacke toki)

Case ref: 2025/21

Main Road, Peka Peka, Peka Peka to Otaki expressway

• Z23268 Waku kaitara tāhoata (Pumice abrader tool)

Claims for ownership

Claims for ownership of the taonga tūturu are to be lodged with the Chief Executive of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 

Claimants have until 30 January 2026 to lodge a claim. More information can be obtained from the Ministry by quoting the case reference.

Alex Clarke-Rÿk
For Chief Executive For Chief Executive
Ministry for Culture and Heritage 
PO Box 5364, Wellington 
ph. (04) 499 4229