25th March 2025: The Sir Cyril Newall New Zealand Collection Auction

A Prestigious Auction of Maori Treasures, Rare Books, & Artifacts from Sir Cyril Newall’s Tenure as New Zealand’s Governor-General 1941-1946.

Churchill Auctioneers is honoured to present The Sir Cyril Newall New Zealand Collection, an extraordinary and historically significant assembly of taonga (Maori treasures), rare books, and cultural artefacts associated with Cyril Louis Norton Newall, 1st Baron Newall, GCB, OM, GCMG, CBE, KStJ, AM tenure as Governor-General of New Zealand (1941–1946).

As a distinguished military leader and statesman, Sir Cyril played a role in fostering relationships between the Crown and Maori communities. Throughout his time in New Zealand, he was presented with a remarkable selection of ceremonial Maori carvings, pounamu (greenstone) artefacts, and historically important books, many of which were gifted during official state visits and tribal ceremonies.

This auction highlights exceptional and rare pieces, including an exquisitely carved 19th-century whale bone tokotoko attributed to the master carver Raharuhi Rukupo school, a waka hoe (ceremonial paddle) attributed to Hone Ngātoto, and a prestigious 18th-century hei tiki presented to Lady Newall. Additionally, the collection features a signed first edition of J.H. Mitchell’s Takitimu (1944), a historic mere pounamu, a vintage Maori-language Bible, and personally inscribed volumes reflecting New Zealand’s history during World War II.

Each piece in this collection represents a deep cultural and historical connection to New Zealand’s past, offering collectors, historians, and institutions a unique opportunity to acquire museum-quality artefacts with impeccable provenance.

Join us for this remarkable event as we honour the enduring legacy of Sir Cyril’s time in Aotearoa and celebrate the artistry, history, and tradition embedded within this prestigious collection.

You can view the full auction catalogue HERE.

The auction will take place on 25th March 2025 at 21:00 GMT.

You can register to bid online or join us in the room to bid on the day.

If you are planning to bid please see our Terms & Conditions and Shipping Policy.

We look forward to you joining us either online or in the room at our auction house in Oxfordshire.

For viewing and enquiries please contact:

Victoria Morley – Client Services

victoria@churchillauctions.co.uk

+44 7768 302 311