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Late Invercargill couple Fred and Myrtle Flutey's famous collection of paua shells is understood to be heading to Canterbury Museum in Christchurch.
The Fluteys' grandson Ross Bowen, who bought the Fluteys' Bluff house and the shell collection from the rest of the family, angered the people of Invercargill when he removed more than 1000 polished shells in February and put the house up for sale.
But the museum today declined all comment ahead of an "exclusive" interview with the Fluteys' grandson, Ross Bowen, on TV3's Campbell Live show tonight.
A museum spokeswoman said that director Anthony Wright was bound by a confidentiality agreement with Mr Bowen and would release a statement at 7pm.
Australian-based Mr Bowen sparked an uproar in the country's southernmost town when his plans to give the collection to Canterbury Museum on long-term loan were revealed.
The Bluff house - a magnet for tourists while the Fluteys were alive - was sold this month to an Australian couple who plan to turn it into a family home.
In February, Canterbury Museum distanced itself from the growing furore, with Mr Wright saying the museum had been unable to reach an agreement in negotiations with Mr Bowen and was keeping a "watching brief" on the controversy.
- NZPA
