The police are appealing to the public to help them find a taonga stolen from a Rotorua cemetery.
The grave of Lisa Watson. Photo: Facebook
The item was a pounamu waka which sat on the grave of Lisa Watson, who died suddenly at the age of 39 in 2008.
Her whanau commissioned the waka to symbolise her journey through life.
Police said her son, who was six years old when she died, was particularly devastated by the theft.
They said it would have taken considerable effort to remove the waka from the headstone.
The police are asking anyone with information to contact the Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099.
People can also call anonymously to the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.