Understand
Oxford ceremony marks the return of historic Māori kiwi feather cloak to New Zealand
Overview
A ceremony has been held in Oxford to mark the return of a historic Māori kahu kiwi (feather cloak) to New Zealand after being loaned to the Pitt Rivers Museum in 1913. The cloak was originally presented in 1900 to Dr George Cleghorn, who advocated for Māori healthcare rights. The item is now owned by the Ngāti Rārua o Te Wairau Society.
Key points
- A ceremony in Oxford marked the return of a traditional Māori kiwi feather cloak (kahu kiwi) to New Zealand.
- The cloak was given as a farewell gift in 1900 to Dr George Cleghorn for his medical work and advocacy for Māori people.
- Dr Cleghorn's widow loaned the item to the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford in 1913.
- The return was funded by the Homebound Project charity and the cloak is now owned by the Ngāti Rārua o Te Wairau Society.
- Māori leaders described the return as a momentous occasion that restores prestige and honours their cultural connection to the treasure.