Abstract
This thesis examines coverage and framing by Aotearoa New Zealand print media of
the international repatriation of Māori and Moriori Ancestral Remains from the start of the
government’s Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme in 2003 until 2023. Using a mixed-
methods content and framing analysis approach, this study explores the implications of media
narratives surrounding colonialism, ethical responsibilities, and Indigenous representation.
Analysis was conducted of 120 news articles from three prominent newspapers: The New
Zealand Herald in Auckland, The Press in Christchurch, and The Dominion Post/The Post in
Wellington. Media coverage of repatriation fluctuated, with spikes in coverage predictably
occurring when there were dramatic or notable repatriation events. There were, however,
disparities in coverage of the international repatriation events from different countries. For
example, in answering a research question investigating Germany’s representation, the media
comparatively underrepresented repatriation events from Germany, revealing gaps in the
coverage. Just over half of the articles quoted Indigenous-identified sources, offering more in-
depth coverage in those cases. The choice of language in the media narratives either
acknowledged or did not reference the often violent colonial injustices surrounding the
acquisition of Ancestral Remains and the cultural importance of Indigenous-led repatriation
efforts. There was also diversity in the terminology used to describe the Ancestors, which points
towards an evolving framing of whether non-European human remains are framed in
objectifying or humanising ways. A complementary creative podcast was collaboratively
produced with Te Arikirangi Mamaku-Ironside of Kaea Consultancy. The podcast, featuring
Hinemoana Baker, provides listeners with context about repatriation from an Indigenous
perspective and an opportunity to connect to the people behind these efforts emotionally. This
thesis illustrates the role of media and storytelling in shaping the discourse of repatriation. It
advocates for ethical and inclusive narratives that acknowledge injustices of the past, the work
of activists today, and the potential for collaborative and cross-cultural reconciliation efforts in
the future.