The brazen theft of kauri gum from a museum on Waitangi Treaty Grounds has today been returned.
The Māori Battalion taonga was stolen from Te Rau Aroha Museum on Wednesday.
The kauri gum, measuring 30cm long and weighing about 2kg, was on display when it was swiped in broad daylight. CCTV appeared to show the involvement of two adults and a child.
It was gifted to Te Rau Aroha when it opened in 2020 as a memorial to 'A'-company, known as the ‘gum diggers’.
A vehicle of interest was found following an investigation.
“Fortunately, and thanks to a member of the public, the kauri gum has been returned to the museum, undamaged,” Mid North Police Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson said.
Robinson said police are now looking to speak to the member of the public who helped locate the treasure.
Police inquiries are ongoing, and and no arrests have been made at this stage.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact police.
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