By KATHERINE HOBY
The identity of an anonymous art benefactor who returned a stolen Charles Goldie painting remained a mystery last night as the net tightened on those responsible for wrenching it from the wall of the Auckland Museum.
Auckland police were stunned when the businessman - who wants to remain anonymous - walked into the central police station late on Saturday night with the painting - worth up to $65,000 - wrapped in newspaper.
Detective Constable James Watson said the man told police he had bought the painting for $10,000 as he believed it was a national treasure and should be returned.
Police accepted the businessman's explanation of how he came to buy the painting.
"We are happy with what he has told us and will take it no further with him," said Detective Constable Watson.
The dealings that brought the 1917 painting of Ngati Whanaunga kuia Hera Puna back to the museum raise the probability that the artwork was stolen for profit.
It was earlier suggested that the theft could have had a political motive.
Detective Sergeant Kevin Hooper said the businessman and a male companion brought the painting into Auckland Central Police Station on Saturday night.
Detective Sergeant Hooper knew the male companion but not the businessman.
"The person who introduced him to me is of good character and is not on the dark side.
"He [the businessman] told me that he purchased the painting from the people who had it.
"Whether or not he had any involvement before buying it, I'm not going to surmise one way or another.
"I'm just thankful that we've got it back."
Detective Sergeant Hooper said the businessman did not want to tell police the identity of the thieves.
He wanted any reward money to go to the Starship children's hospital, to be used to help victims of abuse.
"He went on about all the publicity that we've been having over recent months over all the little kiddies who have been hurt," Detective Sergeant Hooper said.
Museum experts checked the 23cm by 18cm painting on Saturday night and found it had three small scratches on the surface but was otherwise undamaged.
It is now in the hands of the police.
It will be assessed today to see if it can be tested for fingerprints without being damaged.
The newspaper it was wrapped in might also be forensically tested.
Detective Constable Watson said that while getting the painting back was obviously a big break, the investigation was far from finished.
"It's not case closed, hell no," he said.
Operation Goldie would be scaled down from 10 staff to four after the recovery of the painting, titled Memories of a Heroine.
Two people identified on security camera film taken around the time of the theft last Tuesday should contact police.
The film was being enhanced in Wellington, and clear shots of the pair - a man and a woman - would soon be available.
Police were still sifting through information on the couple provided by the public.
"I would also encourage those responsible to come forward of their own choice," he said.
"As soon as I pin down a name, or a fingerprint, I will publish them. Better to come talk to us now than be known as the people who stole the Goldie."
Detective Constable Watson said the thieves might have been becoming nervous, and that was why they had found an avenue to return the painting.
The Operation Goldie hotline 0800-008-800 was still active, he said.
The Auckland Museum's director of public programmes, Michael Evans, said he was delighted to hear of the Goldie's return when he was contacted by police on Saturday night.
"When I came in and told staff and we put it out across the museum radio system, there was a big cheer that went up around the whole building," he said.
Once police had finished their inquiries, the painting would be put back on display in the museum, in the same frame and possibly in the same spot on the wall.
A security review had been done immediately after the theft, and some arrangements had been changed.
Mr Evans confessed he had become increasingly concerned about the safety of the painting as days passed without news.
"You start to think the thieves will find it too hot to hold on to and too hot to pass on, and the risk it will be destroyed grows greater."
The identity of the businessman who returned the painting has left art critics and dealers citywide scratching their heads.
International Art Company director Frances Davies said she was happy for the $5000 reward her company offered for the return of the painting to go to Starship Hospital.
She had no idea who the businessman was, but was thrilled he had returned the painting.
"I would like to speak to the mystery man and confirm his wishes for the money and thank him," she said.
The Herald contacted several art lovers and gallery owners, none of whom had any idea who was responsible for buying back the Goldie.
Sir Roger Bhatnagar, who owns two Goldie paintings, said he could not believe anyone would commit such a theft.
Mystery buy ends Goldie anguish
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