April 01, 2014
Love prow up for sale
Puke Ariki museum in New Plymouth is considering whether it can raise the money to buy a 250-year-old canoe prow that has been removed from Te Papa.
The prow called Te Tauihu Waka was placed on loan at the National Museum in 1963 by Wi Hapi Pakau Love, but was withdrawn last October by his sons Peter and Michael Love.
It was due to be auctioned last week with an estimated value of $400,000, but was withdrawn at the last minute.
Waiwhetu kaumatua Teri Puketapu says such tribal taonga were only held by individuals as kaitiaki, and it was owned by the tribe.
Puke Ariki director Kelvin Day says the museum has been offered the prow by auctioneer Dunbar Sloane, but whether that happens depends on factors such as getting external funding and the views of the wider Love whanau.
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