Man sorry for taking tiki from grandmother's grave

A man who removed a greenstone tiki from his grandmother's grave the night after her burial will not be prosecuted, police say. But questions remain over the tiki's future.

Pouroto Ngaropo, Te Tawera hapu leader at Iramoko Marae near Matata, confirmed he took the tiki from the coffin of his grandmother, Mihipeka Moanaroa Tangitu, at Lake Rotoiti's Wahanui urupa.

Mr Ngaropo, prominent in Maori politics, was at the centre of speculation when it became known the tiki was no longer in his grandmother's grave.

A complaint was lodged with police in June 2004 by the urupa guardians, trustees of the Tapuaeharuru Marae of Ngati Pikiao.

Interfering with human remains is an offence under the Crimes Act punishable by imprisonment.

After an extensive investigation police decided that a prosecution was not warranted because the law was "not clear cut".

Eastern Bay area commander Pat Tasker said police were mindful of their responsibility to foster harmonious family relationships and were bound to take into account the views of family members and trustees.

As part of the restorative justice process Mr Ngaropo had given a genuine apology at Tapuaeharuru Marae, he said.

Marae trustee Mana Malcolm said the apology was received in good faith.

Mr Ngaropo said his motive for taking the tiki was to return family taonga, which his grandmother bequeathed to his mother. Two weeks later he gave the tiki to his mother, its rightful bearer. He was sincerely sorry for the hurt he caused family members.

The tiki, being held by Mr Ngaropo's uncle, Wira Gardiner, will be further discussed by family.

- NZPA