Government ministers have welcomed the French decision to return 15 toi moko -- tattooed and mummified heads of Maori warriors.
The warrior heads are stored in several French museums, including seven at Paris's Quai Branly, home to a major collection of tribal art set up by former president Jacques Chirac.
The French parliament voted on Tuesday to return the heads to New Zealand. Only eight lawmakers in the 577-seat National Assembly voted against the measure.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples said it was a matter of "great significance" for Maori.
"Maori believe that, through their ancestors' return to their original homeland, their dignity is restored, and they can be put to rest in peace among their families."
Arts Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson said New Zealand appreciated the gesture.
Te Papa was negotiating their return and would work with iwi to determine where the toi moko should go on their return.
French Minister Responsible for Relations with Parliament Henri de Raincourt said returning the toi moko was the ethical thing to do.
