Repatriation in New Zealand

Find out about the history of collecting kōiwi in Aotearoa, get to know some of the key people who collected and traded them, and learn about the development of our local repatriation movement.

Picture of a repatriation at Wairau bar showing iwi holding caskets

Why is repatriation important?

Repatriation is becoming an integral part of museology in Aotearoa New Zealand. Its importance is also growing internationally due to the work of indigenous peoples and those who support the return of kōiwi tūpuna back to their people.

Photo of the director of the Colonial Museum Sir James Hector on a collecting expedition

Repatriation: Historical context of collecting

In order to appreciate the importance of repatriation, it is crucial to understand its historical context. To do this, we must go back to the beginning, to when ancestral remains were originally taken, removed, excavated, traded, and stolen.

Photo of the Motunui panels being returned to Puke Ariki

Repatriation: How it all began

The repatriation or return of human remains back to their whānau (family), hapū (sub-tribe), and iwi (tribe) has always been part of te ao Māori (the Māori world).

Delegation from Rapa Nui and members of Ka Haka Hoki Mai Te Mana Tūpuna Repatriation Programme with their tūpuna following the repatriation ceremony.

Repatriation: Where are we now?

In 2020, the repatriation movement in Aotearoa New Zealand grew, with all major museums and many regional museums actively involved in returning human remains from their collections.