What We Do

The following principles express Te Papa's corporate values. As well as guiding Te Papa and forming the basis of its decision-making, these principles also provide the benchmark against which Te Papa measures the quality of its performance. 

Te Papa provides museum services that contribute to the Government's outcome of preserving and presenting the taonga (treasures) of our peoples, interpreting the heritage of New Zealand for national and international audiences, and helping establish New Zealand’s place in the world through contextualising our heritage within the heritage of other cultures.

Te Papa makes a significant contribution toward the key government goal - To Strengthen National Identity and Uphold the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Te Papa’s conceptual and operating framework comprises the following key elements: