Maori negotiating for return of skeletons

Excavated remains from Maori burial sites around the South Wairarapa coast, some dating back to 1300 AD, are set to return to Maori.

South Wairarapa hapu Ngati Hinewaka are involved in negotiations with Te Papa regarding the repatriation of several skeletons (koiwi) and taonga that have been in the museum's care, some since 1950.

University geology students and amateur archaeologists excavated most of the remains from their original resting places along the Palliser coast during the 1950s and 1960s and many items were held in private collections until they found their way to the museum.

As attitudes have changed regarding the significance of the skeletons to Maori, the museum no longer looks upon the remains as part of their collection and instead considers its role as one of temporary guardianship.

Ngati Hinewaka chairman Haami Te Whaiti has been managing the negotiations, which are part of a Waitangi Tribunal claim the hapu has been progressing for several years.

"Part of the claim is about dealing with the impact on the heritage of the areas of South Wairarapa which are very rich in Maori history. The Palliser area was settled for a long period and is believed to be as old as any other place in New Zealand," he said.

"The coast line is largely intact, but it has suffered from erosion and a whole lot of amateur fossicking, so our claim doesn't just include the remains, it includes the protection of historic sites and artefacts."

Mr Te Whaiti said negotiations were in the early stages, but when the repatriation does occur it will be one of the most significant for the area, particularly in light of laws surrounding their return.

"The laws are different now regarding finding remains, now the Crown automatically assumes ownership, and Maori people can apply for them," he said.

"But all taonga pre--1974 like these are exempt, so in fact Te Papa has the right to say no to our claim, but they have a strong commitment to returning the remains and for us to receive them."

As to what will happen to the skeletons once they are returned, the Ngati Hinewaka chairman was unsure.

- NZPA