Buying or selling Taonga and protected Māori objects

This toki (axe head) was found at Kotiatia Point, Northland. Image supplied by Manatū Taonga

This guide helps you understand your responsibilities when trading protected Māori objects—called Taonga Tūturu. Manatū Taonga (the Ministry of Culture and Heritage) sets these rules, so they apply everywhere, not just on Trade Me.

What are Taonga Tūturu?

Taonga Tūturu are items that whakapapa (have ancestral ties) to Te Ao Māori (the Māori world). The definition is broad and includes objects from before and after colonization. The Protected Objects Act covers Taonga Tūturu trading, and Manatū Taonga manages it.

There are two types of Taonga Tūturu:

Newly found: Discovered after April 1, 1976. These items have a "Z" registration number.
Privately owned: Found before April 1, 1976. These have a "Y" registration number.

How do I know if an item is Taonga Tūturu?

Ask yourself these questions:

Does the item relate to Māori culture, history, or society?
Did Māori make, change, or use the item in Aotearoa?
Is the item more than 50 years old?

If all three answers are "yes," it's Taonga Tūturu. If one or two answers are "no," it probably isn't, but get a second opinion from a museum expert or Manatū Taonga.

Can I sell Taonga Tūturu on Trade Me?

Yes, but you must be a registered trader. Apply for a trading license.

To sell as a private seller, you must:

be the recognized legal owner
make sure the item has a ‘Y’ registration number
make sure the buyer is a registered collector.

You can’t send Taonga Tūturu overseas.

Can I buy Taonga Tūturu on Trade Me?

Yes, but you need to be a registered collector. Register as a collector by completing the application.

When buying Taonga Tūturu, you must:

make sure the object has a ‘Y’ registration number
make sure the seller is a registered trader with MCH (Manatū Taonga).

If you think an item's ownership is questionable, respectfully tell the seller. We can't check who's a registered collector or trader because the database isn't public.

What to do if you find Taonga Tūturu

All newly discovered Taonga Tūturu belong to the Crown, but you can claim ownership through the Māori Land Court.

If you discover Taonga Tūturu:

Email Manatū Taonga at taonga@mch.govt.nz.
Take the Taonga to a local museum or directly to Manatū Taonga.

If you find something on Department of Conservation (DOC) land, let them know.

Taonga Tūturu and Trade Me

While we aren’t responsible for enforcing the Protected Objects Act, we'll contact Manatū Taonga if there's a dispute over ownership or registration.

If you see something on the site that violates the Act, report it through Community Watch, including all details.

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Trust and Safety