Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Ngā tohu kotahitangaTreaty of Waitangi: Signs of a Nation

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

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
  • Wheelchair accessible

Find out more about accessibility at Te Papa

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 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. Photo by Norm Heke. Te Papa

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

Get our newsletter

Stay in the loop about our wide range of events and exhibitions.

REGISTER

Follow us

Follow our social media channels for a glimpse behind the scenes at Te Papa.

Join Friends of Te Papa

Friends enjoy benefits and discounts including invitiations to previews and private viewings.

JOIN

Donate

Find out how you can support Te Papa through a donation or bequest by becoming a patron.

DONATE