Pounamu Mere Stolen From Church Museum | Auckland News

Auckland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 8, 2026 · 1m

A 45-year-old man was charged with stealing a priceless pounamu mere from a Latter-day Saints church museum in Hamilton, snatching it over a barrier during a Fourth of July weekend. Police tracked him down via surveillance, recovered the artifact in Tokoroa, and returned it to the museum — where staff hailed the swift recovery. Another man faces charges for receiving the stolen item, revealing a two-person crime. It’s a chilling reminder that even sacred cultural treasures are vulnerable — until law enforcement steps in. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow…