The ceremonial key to Wellington is being returned to the city after it was stolen from a display case at the Museum of Wellington City and Sea nearly a week ago.
The key will be presented to Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown by police at a ceremony outside the Town Hall this afternoon.
Staff at the museum noticed the pounamu and gold key had been taken last Thursday, police spokesman Nick Bohm said.
The sealed case had been pried open with a sharp object and the key taken sometime in the 24 hours before the theft was noticed.
A third party contacted police this week and arranged to anonymously return the item, Mr Bohm said.
"From our perspective that is obviously our first and best outcome, to have the key returned in an undamaged state.
"So we're really pleased that we can return it back to its rightful home."
Police were continuing their investigation of the theft and would consider charges, Mr Bohm said.
The museum's deputy director Paul Thompson would be at the ceremony today to see the return of the key.
It would be kept securely within the Wellington City Council building until the museum had made arrangements for its return, Mr Bohm said.
By Rebecca Quilliam of APNZ
