More than 15,000 pieces of Māori and Moriori cultural heritage items are currently located in museums and universities outside of New Zealand. This revelation comes from Arapata Hakiwai, the Kaihautū of Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand, based in Wellington. Hakiwai has been with Te Papa since its inception in 1998 and has dedicated his career to addressing the historical displacement of these cultural treasures.

Hakiwai’s work began under the guidance of esteemed academic Sir Hirini Moko Mead, who encouraged him to transition from teaching to working at the national museum. Early on, Hakiwai recognized significant gaps in the museum’s approach to Māori and Moriori heritage, stating that many ancestral items had been taken or traded with other institutions worldwide. He remarked, “Māori and Moriori ancestors, hundreds, thousands of them were taken, traded, swapped, exchanged, sold to other museums.”

Through extensive research, Hakiwai estimates that the number of Māori and Moriori items held internationally exceeds 16,000. He noted that over 33 museums in the United States and more than 30 in the United Kingdom possess these treasures, with the Field Museum in Chicago housing one of the largest collections, comprising over 2,500 Māori taonga.

Hakiwai emphasized that a substantial portion of indigenous cultural heritage remains offshore, and much of it originates from earlier periods. He expressed concern that “over 95 percent wouldn’t know of that, wouldn’t be aware of the extent of that or where their taonga are.” He advocates for this information to be readily accessible to Māori and Moriori people as a matter of right.

The issue of cultural heritage repatriation has gained traction globally, especially since the establishment of the Karanga Aotearoa repatriation programme in 2003, which initially focused on the return of human remains. Hakiwai noted that many museums have agreed to return ancestral remains, marking a significant shift in attitudes. He stated that the old practice of amassing treasures is increasingly being questioned, although some institutions continue to acquire artifacts.

Reflecting on the impact of the 1984 Te Māori exhibition, Hakiwai observed that it played a crucial role in shaping relationships between Māori and overseas museums. He pointed out the Field Museum’s involvement in the restoration of the wharenui Ruatepupuke, originally built in 1881 in Tokomaru Bay. The museum’s collaboration with indigenous people illustrates a model for how museums can engage with Māori communities.

Hakiwai recounted a poignant visit from elders in Tokomaru Bay who expressed the need to “re-clothe” Ruatepupuke, which currently resides in Chicago. They conveyed that the whare was “lonely” and “naked,” leading to a partnership with the Field Museum to restore the structure while keeping it in Chicago. This partnership highlights the potential for museums to support cultural identity and heritage preservation.

Hakiwai believes that museums can serve a higher purpose by uplifting cultural foundations and identities. He stated, “If that is the desire of iwi, hapū, and whānau for their taonga to be returned and homed we will work with them to achieve those ends.” He emphasizes that having taonga in their communities can elevate histories and significance far beyond the artifacts sitting on display.

As the conversation around cultural heritage continues to evolve, Hakiwai’s work at Te Papa aims to reconcile the past with a vision for the future, fostering partnerships that respect and honor Māori and Moriori cultural identities.

More than 15,000 cultural heritage items belonging to Māori and Moriori communities are believed to be held in museums and universities around the world. This revelation comes from Arapata Hakiwai, the Kaihautu of Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand, located in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). Hakiwai’s insights highlight a significant issue concerning the repatriation of indigenous artifacts and the need for cultural heritage to return to its rightful owners.

Hakiwai’s journey in the museum sector commenced in 1998, following an encouragement from academic Sir Hirini Moko Mead. Initially taken aback by the complexities of the role, he quickly recognized that the museum’s approach to Māori and Moriori artifacts needed transformation. He emphasized the historical context in which many items were taken, noting that “Māori and Moriori ancestors, hundreds, thousands of them were taken, traded, swapped, exchanged, sold to other museums.”

Through extensive research, Hakiwai estimates that the number of cultural heritage pieces located in international institutions exceeds 16,000. He referenced over 33 museums in the United States and more than 30 museums in the United Kingdom that house these valuable items. The Field Museum is particularly noteworthy, with a collection of over 2,500 Māori taonga (artifacts), illustrating the magnitude of cultural heritage dispersed globally.

Hakiwai expressed concern that the majority of Māori and Moriori individuals remain unaware of the extent of their cultural heritage held overseas. “The sad reality is over 95 percent wouldn’t know of that, wouldn’t be aware of the extent of that or where their taonga are,” he stated. He argued that access to this information should be viewed as a right rather than a privilege.

The Karanga Aotearoa repatriation programme, initiated in 2003, focused initially on the return of human remains. Hakiwai noted a shift in the international museum community, with many institutions now agreeing to return these ancestral remains. “Many museums are realizing the old practice of ‘amassing treasures’ can’t continue,” he explained, highlighting a growing awareness of the ethical responsibilities museums have toward indigenous cultures.

The impact of the 1984 Te Māori exhibition resonates strongly, as it changed the dynamics between Māori communities and overseas museums. Hakiwai pointed out that the Field Museum was the last venue to host this exhibition, which catalyzed further collaborations, including the restoration of the 19th-century wharenui (meeting house) Ruatepupuke. Originally built in 1881 in Tokomaru Bay, this important cultural structure was moved to the Field Museum through Germany and remains one of the few wharenui outside of New Zealand.

In the 1990s, Hakiwai played a vital role in the restoration of Ruatepupuke after elders from Tokomaru visited him in Wellington. They expressed their wish to “re-clothe” the whare, emphasizing its cultural significance. Rather than repatriating it immediately, the elders chose to collaborate with the Field Museum, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining connections and honoring the wharenui’s legacy.

Hakiwai believes that museums can serve a higher purpose by supporting and uplifting cultural identity. He stated that if iwi (tribes), hapū (sub-tribes), and whānau (families) desire the return of their taonga, Te Papa will work with them to facilitate this. “Having taonga back in their community, in their whenua (land) amongst their people, elevating the histories and their mana (prestige) and significance—surely that’s something far greater than taonga sitting on a shelf,” he remarked.

The ongoing dialogue about cultural heritage, repatriation, and the role of museums reflects a broader conversation on reconciling historical injustices and fostering partnerships with indigenous peoples. Hakiwai’s insights emphasize the need for museums to evolve beyond traditional practices and actively engage with the communities they represent.

Hong Kong authorities have issued arrest warrants for 19 activists living overseas, accusing them of involvement with an unofficial political group, referred to as the “Hong Kong Parliament.” This group is alleged to have aimed at subverting state power in violation of the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. This law was enacted following extensive pro-democracy protests in 2019, which challenged the region’s governance.

The Hong Kong Police Force has stated that the activists organized a referendum and participated in the unofficial “Hong Kong Parliament,” which sought to promote self-determination and draft a new constitution for the region. Police characterized the group as attempting to overthrow the governments of both China and Hong Kong through unlawful means. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities indicating that further arrests may occur.

Among those named in the warrants is businessman Elmer Yuen, political commentator Victor Ho, and activists Johnny Fok and Tony Choi. Four of the individuals already have outstanding warrants, each with a bounty of HK$1 million (approximately NZ$211,000). The remaining 15 individuals, for whom police are offering a bounty of HK$200,000 each, are believed to have organized or participated in the election process for the “parliament” and were sworn in as its councillors. As of now, none of the accused have responded to requests for comment.

International Reactions to Arrest Warrants

The issuance of these warrants has drawn sharp criticism from the UK Foreign and Home Secretaries, who issued a joint statement condemning the actions as “another example of transnational repression.” They asserted that these arrests undermine Hong Kong’s international reputation, emphasizing that the UK will not tolerate attempts by foreign governments to intimidate or harm their critics abroad.

In response, the Chinese embassy in the UK characterized the British government’s comments as a “gross interference” in China’s internal matters and the rule of law in Hong Kong. The embassy urged the UK to abandon what it described as a colonial mentality and stop protecting those it considers criminals.

The political landscape in Hong Kong has been shaped by the 1997 handover from British to Chinese rule, which included a promise of significant autonomy, including freedoms related to speech and assembly under the “one country, two systems” framework. Critics of the national security law contend that it is being used to suppress dissent and limit political freedoms.

Police Warnings and Legal Implications

Hong Kong Police have reiterated that national security offenses represent serious crimes that carry extraterritorial implications. Authorities have urged the wanted individuals to return to Hong Kong and surrender. They stated, “If offenders voluntarily cease their criminal activities, turn themselves in, truthfully confess their crimes, or provide critical information that aids in solving other cases, they may qualify for reduced punishment.”

Additionally, police cautioned that assisting or funding others to engage with the “Hong Kong Parliament” could also lead to criminal charges. This warning reflects the authorities’ ongoing commitment to enforcing the national security law, which they claim is essential for restoring stability in a city that has experienced significant unrest in recent years.

Ghislaine Maxwell has reportedly provided detailed responses regarding approximately 100 individuals during a meeting with officials from the US Justice Department. This session, which took place in October 2023, follows her conviction related to her involvement in the activities of Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender.

Maxwell’s lawyer stated that she answered the questions “honestly, truthfully, to the best of her ability.” The meeting is part of an ongoing investigation into Epstein’s extensive network and the individuals associated with him. It highlights how Maxwell’s testimony may shed light on various figures involved in the broader scandal that has captivated public attention for years.

The Justice Department’s interest in Maxwell comes as authorities continue to pursue leads connected to Epstein’s alleged trafficking operations. Maxwell, who is currently serving a prison sentence, has been a focal point in understanding the extent of Epstein’s criminal enterprise.

Details on the specific individuals she discussed have not been disclosed. However, the meeting signifies a crucial moment in the ongoing investigation as federal authorities seek to piece together the complex web of connections surrounding Epstein and his associates.

As this situation unfolds, the implications of Maxwell’s statements could have far-reaching consequences. The legal ramifications for any implicated individuals remain uncertain, but the Justice Department’s focus on her insights underscores the seriousness of the matter.

Maxwell’s cooperation might also influence potential future legal actions against others who were part of Epstein’s circle. The fallout from this case continues to evolve, reflecting the persistent public interest in accountability and justice regarding sexual exploitation and trafficking.

As investigations proceed, the international community watches closely, anticipating further developments in a case that has sparked significant discourse about power, privilege, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.