A Wellington art gallery is appealing for the return of a korowai they describe as "culturally significant", that was stole from their business.
According to a Facebook post by Kura Gallery Wellington the korowai was "uplifted and stolen during installation" ahead of their Matariki exhibition opening on Friday.
The theft has been reported to police. Police say the theft is "believed to have occurred between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning".
"This piece was made by a renown weaver and we are desperate to get it back," the gallery writes.
"The loss of a culturally significant, handwoven taonga is devastating - please let us know if you hear anything down the kumara vine, ngā mihi."
They say there have been sightings of a man trying to sell the item - by Burger King on the corner of Tory St and Courtney place on Tuesday night.
"Description given is a Māori male, 5f 6, appeared to be homeless and had a tattoo on his right cheekbone," the gallery says.
"If you know this mans name or whereabouts please let us know so we can forward it to police."
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