Te Papa Treaty of Waitangi display reopens

Sam Smith, Te Papa opens new ‘temporary’ Treaty display, Stuff, 23 April 2024

The group used power tools and spray paint on the Te Papa exhibit.

  • Te Papa’s new temporary Treaty of Waitangi display has been opened.
  • The display replaces the wooden panel that was vandalised in 2023 in a protest.
  • The new display will remain in place while a new permanent exhibition is planned.

 

Te Papa’s new “temporary” Treaty of Waitangi display has opened at the museum, replacing the wooden panel that was spray painted over in December 2023.

The new display which forms part of the museum’s exhibition Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Ngā tohu kotahitanga Treaty of Waitangi: Signs of a Nation contains a video projection showcasing the differences between the English and Māori versions of the treaty.

The display also contains new signage referencing the 2023 protest, while other elements of the old exhibition remain, including the panel of te Tiriti in te reo Māori and the taonga on display.

The change was made on Monday with the support of Mana Whenua.

Te Papa co-leaders Kaihautū Dr Arapata Hakiwai and Tumu Whakarae Courtney Johnston said the new digital display served a valuable purpose.

“This digital display will help visitors deepen their understanding and foster informed conversations.”

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Te Papa’s new temporary Treaty of Waitangi exhibition. TE PAPA/SUPPLIED.

They added the focus now turns on creating a permanent exhibition.

“We are looking to totally transform the space to create an experience of te Tiriti that is relevant for our audiences today, and in the future.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for the nation to have a conversation about our history, our present and our future, particularly as we look towards the 200th anniversary of te Tiriti o Waitangi in 2040.”

The removed panel will be stored by the museum, however, no decision has been made about its future.

The new display will remain in place for the foreseeable future while decisions are made about the future of the exhibition.

The group, Te Waka Hourua, entered the museum and used spray paint and a power tool to damage the exhibit.

The group said the English version of the treaty perpetuated a “dangerous lie” that was “long used by the government to trample Māori rights and enforce colonial rule on the land and its people.”