Te Arawa leaders are warning that whoever stole a treasured whalebone patu paraoa could be in serious trouble for breaking Maori protocol - and are urging them to return it for their own safety. Te Tatau o Te Arawa Board chairman Te Taru White said the mauri (essence) of the patu belonged to the partnership between council and Te Arawa. Te Arawa kaumatua Sir Toby Curtis agreed, but also wanted Te Arawa to be more active in helping to have the patu returned. "We have also made inquiries with some local second hand dealers about the patu," Mr Morrison said. Anyone wanting to return the taonga can contact Mr Morrison on (07) 351 8348, confidentially if necessary, or call the Rotorua police.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 24, 2017 22:27 UTC