The article concerns the legal efforts to repatriate a set of carved wooden panels from a Maori store house. The panels had been found around 1972, having been hidden by indigenous Atiawa tribe member around 1820. In 1978, New Zealand museum authorities became aware that the panels were to be sold at auction at Sotheby's in New York. An investigation of how the panels had been removed from New Zealand was undertaken. Various conflicting legal opinions were obtained in New Zealand, New York, and Switzerland (the home of the person who had purchased the panels in 1973). A judge found in New Zealand's favor in 1981, but defendants in the trial (the 1973 buyer and seller) appealed. The upshot of the case is that recovery of cultural property may involve long, costly legal battles. It is hoped that the present case will establish precedents that will help expedite other cases.