The repatriation of 20 toi moko from a Parisian museum later this month is far more than an exchange of historically significant pieces, according to one of the key men in the delegation.

Gisborne’s Derek Lardelli, who is part of Te Papa’s Repatriation Advisory Panel, says it is an honour to be involved in the return of the preserved heads.

“These relate directly to the ancestors,” he says. “They are calling to come home.”

Mr Lardelli, one of the principal tutors at EIT Tairawhiti’s Toihoukura, is one of an 11-strong group that also includes his daughter Hinemihiata, Toihoukura student Poutaka Kihi and Wellington-based Gisborne woman Georgina Kerekere.

“This is the return of indigenous people’s ancestors – ancestors who were taken under dubious circumstances.”

Some of those included chiefs, and while some were traded by Maori for various goods, others came into the hands of foreigners in more underhand ways.

While the French ceremony is at the Musee du Quai Branly, the toi moko have come from museums all over France.

“The repatriation also allows those who are in possession of indigenous human remains to bring some form of closure to a deceitful past,” says Mr Lardelli. “These are someone’s son or brother – not scientific specimens.”

This is the first time he has been physically involved in the returning of toi moko, but he has worked on other projects that have seen others returned.

The repatriation will coincide with the closing of the E Tu Ake Exhibition which has been touring Europe.

The travelling delegation will be running public lectures, workshops and displays during the weekend – Mr Lardelli on ta moko, Mr Kihi on painting and Miss Lardelli will be running poi making and kapa haka workshops.

Miss Lardelli will also be documenting the repatriating of the toi moko. The 18-year-old is looking forward to being part of such a culturally significant project.

“It is amazing we are getting our ancestors back and having the opportunity to showcase our culture to France,” she says.

The repatriation programme of Maori and Moriori ancestral remains is funded by the Government and run by Te Papa.

Mr Lardelli says the return of toi moko is a symbol of goodwill.

“It is countries working together to educate and help right the wrongs of the past.”

For Mr Lardelli, the trip is summed up by an ancient saying from a chief who knew he would die on lands not his own.

“Tukua mai he kapunga one ki ahau hei tangi – send me a handful of soil to weep over”.

“That shows the power of connection Maori feel for their land – Aotearoa was the last land to be peopled by humankind, making it a sacred frontier.”

A powhiri is planned at Te Papa for the toi moko on January 26. Te Papa has a provenance programme in place to try and track where the toi moko came from originally.