Historical Maori taonga stolen in Hawke's Bay

14 Historical Maori taonga have been stolen in a burglary in Hawkes Bay. Photo / NZ Police

A number of historical Maori taonga, registered with Te Papa National Museum in Wellington, have been stolen in a burglary in Hawke's Bay.

The 14 items include a number of a number of pounamu (greenstone) mere, a whale bone patu and a ceremonial adze with a pounamu blade. They were taken from a home in the small rural settlement of Pakipaki, near Hastings, during a burglary last Friday, police said.

The artefacts were in the care of a local resident, but are registered with Te Papa as taonga, and are believed to date back to the 1800s.

The items held immense cultural and monetary value, Detective Sergeant Craig Vining said.

"The thieves will be aware of both of these things," he said.

14 Historical Maori taonga have been stolen in a burglary in Hawkes Bay. Photo / NZ Police

"We appeal to the people who took these items to return them immediately so they can be cared for by their proper guardians and remain in their turangawaewae.

"This will have a major impact on local Maori. We appeal to the thieves to do the right thing and bring the taonga home."

Officers want to speak to the owners or drivers of three different vans seen in the Pakipaki area around the time of the burglary, as well as a forest-green coloured sedan.

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact Mr Vining on 06 211 3917 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, contact could be made with local marae or iwi representatives.