Source: New Zealand Police
A treasured taonga stolen from a local Waikato museum and church history facility has been located and returned to its spiritual home by Waikato Police.
Leaders of the Pacific Church History Museum at Temple View in Hamilton are grateful to police staff for the swift return of the valued piece of pounamu.
The greenstone mere, representing a piece of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints history, was reported stolen from the museum over the weekend of July 4.
A man visiting the museum allegedly stepped across a barrier in the premises, swiping the mere from its display on the wall.
Waikato Police’s Tactical Crime Unit investigated the theft, utilising CCTV and identified a vehicle, leading to a location in Tokoroa.
Assisted by Bay of Plenty Police staff, on Monday officers executed a warrant at a property in Tokoroa where the mere was located.
A 45-year-old man is now facing a charge of burglary and is due to appear in Tokoroa District Court at a later date. Another man is also facing a receiving charge.
The mere itself was taken into safe keeping and then subsequently returned to the church museum on Tuesday.
Leader Nathan Petty, Director of Matthew Cowley Church of Pacific History Centre, received the precious treasure.
“We were quite shocked to find one of our treasures was taken. It’s an extremely valuable piece.
“We are very thankful to police for their assistance in returning it and putting it back into its rightful place.”
Waikato Tactical Crime Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Scott McKenzie thanked the investigation team for acting with urgency to recover the item, and the support provided by the church.
“This is a great outcome for the church and the community being able to return the item of such significance to its rightful owner.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/08/treasured-taonga-returned/