New Zealand and Austria discuss the return of taonga stolen by Andreas Reischek

In the late 1800s, Andreas Reischek, an Austrian scientist, robbed Māori graves and plundered Māori artefacts for his private collection. More than 140 years later, officials of the Austrian government have been repatriating what Reischek looted.

A hui took place at the Waitangi Treaty grounds last week between Ngāti Hine and Austrian officials to discuss the wrongdoings of Reischek against the Ngāti Hine people.

Some items have already been returned to Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Over 60 kōiwi stolen by Reischek were returned to Te Papa earlier this month.

Ngāti Hine spokesman Pita Tipene says the main goal is to get these items home to the people of Ngāti Hine.

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