Subj : Te Papa replaces treaty panel defaced in 2023 protest
To   : All
From : News
Date : Tue Apr 23 2024 12:37 pm

Te Papa has taken down a display panel in its Treaty of Waitangi exhibition
that was defaced last year in a staged protest.


The display - Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Nga tohu kotahitanga Treaty of Waitangi:
Signs of a Nation - was spray-painted by protesters.


The protesters were removed by police at the time, and 12 people were
arrested.


The group behind the action said Te Papa was displaying an English
translation facing across from the te reo Maori version, which was misleading
visitors into believing it to be an accurate translation of Te Tiriti, which
it "most certainly is not".


Today, the defaced display was replaced with a new temporary one, which would
remain in place while the museum embarked on a "full-scale transformation" of
the exhibition space.


Te Papa said the temporary display, showing a large-scale video projection,
outlined the differences between the English and Maori versions of the treaty.


"It highlights differences between te Tiriti in te reo Maori and Captain
William Hobson's 1840 English version, and points to a 1988 translation by
Professor Sir Hugh Kawharu, which is considered much closer to the
understanding of Maori who signed te Tiriti."


Signage in the exhibition references the 2023 protest action, but other
elements of the exhibition remained as they were, including the panel of te
Tiriti in te reo Maori and the taonga on display.

The change to the exhibition space was made overnight on Monday, April 22
with the support of mana whenua, or local iwi representatives, the museum
said.


Te Papa co-leaders Kaihautu Dr Arapata Hakiwai and Tumu Whakarae Courtney
Johnston said the digital display would be a valuable for visitors from
Aotearoa and abroad.


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


"Our focus now is on the process to develop the 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."


'A fresh view to inform contemporary conversations'
Mana whenua led a karakia before the work began in the exhibition space.
Ngati Toa Rangatira placed a kohatu mauri, or mauri stone, in the space, and
Te Ati Awa Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika placed a raukura, or plume of
feathers.


Callum Katene, chair of Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira said: "Ngati Toa is
supportive of Te Papa's desire to revisit and redesign the Te Tiriti O
Waitangi exhibition.


"The meaning and relevance of our founding document is highly topical right
now, so providing a fresh view to inform contemporary conversations is
important.


"Just as important is the inclusion of a wide representation of relevant
voices, such as Tiriti signatory representatives and historical and other
academic experts.


"We are delighted Te Papa has agreed to make this happen."


Te Papa announced in December 2023 the panel would remain on display over the
summer break before being removed.


"Keeping the panel in place temporarily has led to some valuable
conversations, but it is right that we change the space now, and take this
step towards the development of a brand-new exhibition," said Te Papa
co-leaders Courtney Johnston and Dr Arapata Hakiwai.


Te Papa said the removed panel would be stored by the museum.


"No decision has been made about its future."

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