Domestic repatriationTe whakahoki tūpuna ki ngā uri
Returning Māori ancestral remains to iwithroughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Te Papa has supported the repatriation of Māori ancestral remains to iwi throughout Aotearoa, from Ngāti Kuri in the Far North to Ngāi Tahu in the South Island.
All arrangements for domestic repatriations are led by iwi, with support from Te Papa. Iwi determine the place, time, and details for the repatriation and burial or funerary rites. Iwi can choose to collect their ancestors’ remains from Te Papa, or have them escorted home.
Domestic repatriations to date
Te Papa and our dedicated Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme have returned kōiwi tangata to the following regions and iwi.
