Is it legal to sell Moa Bone
Think selling Moa bone is illegal? So did I.
Then I was offered some—and decided to check the facts.
According to a Department of Conservation discussion paper, selling Moa bone artefacts is legal—unless the bone comes from DOC land or a registered archaeological site.
DOC says:
"Moa bones found naturally in swamps on private land are not protected. Gathering them is lawful, with landowner consent."
The Moa bone I use comes from a private swamp property. Provenance available to any approved authority on request.
My take?
That bone could sit forgotten in my workshop gathering dust.
Or it could become a piece of art that keeps reminding us of the Moa—and what we lost.
Until the law changes, I've chosen the latter.
