Pre-European toki found on the banks of Hawke's Bay river

The Tukituki River, Waipukurau. Photo / Warren Buckland

A pre-European toki found on the banks of the Tukituki River, near Kahuranaki south of Havelock North, has been handed to Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa while a search for potential traditional owners is mounted.

The toki or adze, a stone cutting or chopping tool, was found on June 6.The museum notified the Ministry for Culture and Heritage as required by the Protected Objects Act 1975 (the Act) and the traditional owners of the toki are now being sought.

"Under the Act, newly found taonga tūturu are prima facie Crown owned," the Ministry of Culture and Heritage said.

"This is an interim measure which enables the Ministry to provide for the care and custody of ngā taonga and ensure that taonga receive the conservation and care they require when found."

One of the purposes of the Act is to reconnect newly found taonga tūturu with traditional owners, which is usually iwi or hapū in the area of the find, the spokesperson says.

"If a single claim for ownership is made, and if satisfied that the claim is valid, the Ministry's Chief Executive will apply to the Māori Land Court seeking an order determining ownership and custody.

"When multiple claims are lodged, the Ministry works with claimants to find a suitable resolution wherever possible."

In addition to the public notice, the Ministry has reached out to parties who might be interested in this taonga.

"The Ministry has not yet received any claims for ownership, however individuals and groups have until June 26 to lodge a claim.

"The Ministry will continue working closely with Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, who is currently caring for this taonga."