Exhibitions On now

Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Signs of a Nation, 2015. Photograph by Norm Heke. Te Papa

Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Ngā tohu kotahitanga Treaty of Waitangi: Signs of a Nation

Discover how the Treaty has shaped relationships between the peoples of Aotearoa

  AotearoaNew ZealandMāori | Noun
.

See the original Treaty of Waitangi in the He Tohu exhibition at National Library, corner Molesworth and Aitken Streets.

  • When | Āhea Permanent exhibition
  • Where | Ki hea Level 4
  • Cost | Te utu Free entry
  • Ages | Te reanga All ages
  • Allow | Me whakarite 20 minutes
  • Accessibility | E wātea ana ki

Discover the Treaty of Waitangi

The Treaty of Waitangi is the founding document of modern Aotearoa New Zealand. It was signed in 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and more than 500 Māori chiefs. In this exhibition, you’ll discover how the Treaty has shaped relationships between the peoples of this nation.

A chief’s flag and other treasures

At the far end of this exhibition space, you’ll find taonga

  taongatreasuresMāori | Noun
belonging to four influential Māori chiefs who signed the Treaty: Pūmuka, Mohi Tāwhai, Patuone, and Wāka Nene. These precious objects tell personal stories of hope, conflict, and cooperation – at the Treaty signing itself in 1840, and in the tumultuous decades that followed.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Signs of a Nation, 2015. Photographed by Norm Heke, ©Te Papa

Caption

Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Signs of a Nation, 2015. Photograph by Norm Heke. Te Papa

Flag \"Pumuka\", England, maker unknown. Gift of Rae Hone Tana, 1960. Te Papa (G002524)

Caption

Flag "Pumuka", England, maker unknown. Gift of Rae Hone Tana, 1960. Te Papa (G002524)

Activities

  • Activity book: Waitangi Day activity book

    Waitangi Day activity book

    An activity book to help kids understand the significance of Waitangi Day. Learn through maps, flags, word puzzles, drawing, and colouring in. Perfect for primary-aged children.

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