Auckland City Police have arrested a man after an investigation into the alleged theft of a "precious" greenstone mere artefact from the Auckland Museum earlier this month.

A 26-year-old man has been charged in relation to theft, wilful damage and intentional damage and is appearing in the Auckland District Court today.

The greenstone remains missing.

Auckland Museum Director Collections and Research David Reeves said the museum team had been deeply shocked and saddened by the theft.

"The stolen mere pounamu has significant historical and cultural value."

Auckland Museum takes its role as a kaitiaki of Auckland's collections extremely seriously, protecting and caring for an outstanding and significant collection of Māori treasures (taonga), he said.

The Māori Court contains more than1000 artefacts from around Aotearoa which date back to the arrival and settlement of Māori, he said.

"The museum acknowledges the impact the theft will have on descendants and has been keeping iwi representatives informed on the progress of the investigation," Reeves said.

"We remain hopeful for the safe return of this precious taonga.

"Please if as members of the public, you have any information which could assist the inquiry, we urge you to contact the police on 09 302 6557 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

The theft comes after a 2m-tall bronze gnome worth $55,000 was stolen from outside Gow Langsford Gallery late last year.

The piece entitled Thinker, by renowned artist Gregor Kregar, was placed inside the gallery after its return.