Göttingen returns human remains to New Zealand

Remains of 32 individuals traded during German colonialism handed over in accordance with indigenous customs

The University of Göttingen has returned skeletal remains obtained as part of colonial expansion to New Zealand and the Chatham Islands.

The handover took place in accordance with indigenous cultural customs and ceremonies, according to a statement by the university. It is the culmination of a years-long effort by the institution to understand its colonial past and undo some of the damage dealt to overseas communities during that time.