The Te Papa Museum in Wellington says it's pleased to accept a tapa cloth and two fine mats that were used to protect the casket of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.
King Tupou IV died in Auckland in September 2006 and the tapa cloth and fine mats were placed under his casket during his return home on a Royal New Zealand Air Force Flight.
The King's wife gifted the treasures to the Air Force, which in return decided to donate them to the Te Papa Museum.
A museum's curator for Pacific Culture, Kolokesa Mahina-Tuai says the objects have a special significance for the relationship of Tonga and New Zealand.
"For the Tongan community, it means a lot, because of its association to the late King, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. The fact that the Tongan community knows that these treasures are here and they can come and visit and see it anytime they want, it means a lot, because there wouldn't be any other occasion that come close to something like that."
Kolokesa Mahina-Tuai says the objects will also be of interest for other communities in New Zealand.
