Stolen Maori heirloom comes home

The stolen medal that was returned to Aratoi.

The medal of a Ngati Kahungunu chief which was stolen from Aratoi has been returned to the museum.

The Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee medal (pictured), which belonged to the family of Hoani Paraone Tunuiarangi, was handed in to Aratoi staff by an unidentified man yesterday morning.

Senior Sergeant Jymahl Glassey said the man asked staff if they had a picture of the medal and then proceeded to produce the medal.

Staff were confident it was not the same man that was seen taking the medal in the CCTV footage, Mr Glassey said.

The man did not wish to give his name or contact details, but police would like to speak to him.

"He's obviously done the right thing and for that we applaud him. But if he was able to offer some assistance to us that would be great."

The great-granddaughter of Mr Tunuiarangi, Mihipa McGrath, said the family were very grateful to everyone who played a part in the safe return of the medal and especially to the man who handed it in.

"I would like an acknowledgement put to them for finding the respect for the taonga and returning it ... it would have been a big effort for him to walk in and return it."

She said the news was a huge relief to her 96-year-old mother. "It's a big, big thank you for bringing it back. They've answered mum's karakias."

The family would continue to entrust Aratoi with the medal and other items belonging to Mr Tunuiarangi, as they were important pieces of local history.

"He [Tunuiarangi] loved all the people down there and that's why we feel they should go home."

Aratoi regional trust chairman Frazer Mailman said he was greatly relieved the medal was back at Aratoi.

"Obviously we are delighted ... . we are really relieved that it's back and in our care again."

The museum would be tightening security, Mr Mailman said.