Century-old wooden grave markers from an urupa in south Hokianga have been removed for restoration.
Waatea News reports the carved totara markers feature a mix of Maori and European carving influences, and are similar to other plaques found throughout Northland.
Rima Edwards, a Tai Tokerau kaumatua and member of the Historic Place's Trust's Maori heritage committee, says it's likely one of the carvings removed at a ceremony this weekend marks the grave of Whakarongahau Titore, the daughter of the prophet Papahurihia or Te Atua Wera.
Despite their worn look, the trust's chief Maori conservator Dean Whiting, says the carvings are salvageable, but a lot of work is needed to put them right for another 100 years.
