An Awanui family have been devastated by the theft of what police described as tens of thousands of dollars worth of items from a family museum.
Much of the haul comprised kauri gum, some of it in large pieces but much of it sculpted, including three ornately carved heads.
The thieves entered the garage housing the museum some time on Monday night.
The owners didn't hear anything, Constable Barry Murray said, but the thieves had cut a lock to gain entry, and would have needed a vehicle to carry the property away.
"The family is very upset. This was their family heritage. A lot of sentimental value and memories," he said.
