Stolen mere pounamu returned to Temple View museum

Thursday, 9 July 2026

The mere ponamu was stolen from the Matthew Cowley Pacific Church History Centre museum in Temple View on July 4 and was returned on July 7.

A treasured taonga that was stolen from a Latter-day Saints church museum in Temple View has been returned and a man charged with burglary.

A mere ponamu, a one-handed weapon featuring a flat elongated blade with a sharp striking edge, was stolen from the Matthew Cowley Pacific Church History Centre museum on July 4.

The mere was a valued weapon, as warriors would use it to strike their enemy’s head, jaw and ribs.

Museum director Nathan Petty said they were “quite shocked” the ponamu was taken, saying it’s “extremely valuable”.

Police say a museum visitor allegedly stepped across a barrier and swiped the mere from its display on the wall.

Using CCTV, Waikato Police's Tactical Crime Unit identified a vehicle, which led to a property in Tokoroa.

Officers executed a search warrant at the Tokoroa property on Monday and found the mere, which was returned to the church museum on Tuesday.

A 45-year-old man has been charged with burglary and is due to appear in the Tokoroa District Court.

Another man was also facing a receiving charge in relation to the incident.