Repatriation of Kōimi T’chakat from Canberra

We are pleased to share a significant update regarding the recent repatriation of two Kōimi T’chakat Moriori from the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.

Left to right: Belinda Williamson, Jared Watty and Kiwa Hammond.
Photo courtesy of Jason McCarthy/National Museum of Australia.

Earlier this month, Jared Watty and Belinda Williamson, representing the Hokotehi Moriori Trust, travelled to Canberra to participate in this profoundly moving event. 

A respectful and culturally sensitive repatriation ceremony began with a powerful water ceremony performed by the Ngunnawal people, who welcomed the Te Papa Tongarewa team and our trustees Jared Watty and Belinda Williamson to their land. A smoking ceremony led by the Ngambri people followed, which cleansed and honoured the kōimi t’chakat Moriori during the formal handover.

We were honoured to accompany a dedicated team from Te Papa, including Dr Te Herekiekie Herewini, Dr Arapata Hakiwai, Kiwa Hammond, and Hinerangi Edwards. Their expertise and cultural knowledge were invaluable throughout the process.

The Kōimi T’chakat Moriori are now safely housed in the Whatu Tchap at Te Papa in Wellington, where they will remain until their final journey home to Rēkohu and Rangihaute. A small, intimate ceremony was held at Te Papa to mark their safe arrival.

This repatriation is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to reclaim and honour our ancestral heritage. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the National Museum of Australia, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, Te Papa, and all those who contributed to the successful return of our karāpuna.

We will inform you of developments regarding the eventual return of our karāpuna to their ancestral homeland.