A taonga has been stolen from Whanganui's Waimarie paddle steamer.
The wood carving was stolen some time in the last two weeks.
The taonga, created by master carver Dean Flavell, is based on the taurapa washboard found of the rear of the taurapa (canoe sternpost).
The kowhaiwhai pattern carved in the background is called mangopare (hammerhead shark), a design used to represent strength and which symbolises the river.
Waimarie manager Phil Pollero isn't sure when it was stolen, but reported it missing last Saturday.