Immersed in History: A 3-Day Journey Through Te Papa Museum and Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa - the National Library
Day 1: Stepping into the world of Te Papa
Our three-day trip to Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington began with a great sense of anticipation. The museum, renowned for its rich and diverse exhibitions, was our destination for professional development focused on gaining a deeper understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi.
On the first day, we dived into the museum’s renowned exhibition, “Signs of a Nation.” This immersive experience is not just a showcase of artefacts but a powerful narrative of Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural and political evolution. The exhibit provided a deep dive into the origins and later implications of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, setting the stage for our professional development sessions.
Day 2: Exploring Tikanga and Treaty Education
Our second day was dedicated to exploring the museum’s education programmes and understanding how tikanga (customary protocols) is woven into the fabric of Te Papa. This session was particularly enlightening, as it demonstrated the museum's commitment to cultural respect and education.
We had the opportunity to engage directly with the museum's education team, whose passion for their work was extraordinary. They shared insights into how tikanga is not just a set of practices but a living, breathing part of the museum’s ethos. This approach ensures that the museum's educational programmes are not only informative but also culturally sensitive and enriching.
Day 3: A Reverent Visit to He Tohu
The final day of our trip took us to the He Tohu exhibition at Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa - the National Library, where the original Te Tiriti o Waitangi documents are on display with He Whakaputanga, declaration of independence. Seeing these foundational documents in person was a profound experience. The sense of history and significance was powerful, and it offered a deeper appreciation for the treaty's role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history and its continuing impact.
He Tohu is a masterclass in the presentation of historical documents. The exhibition is thoughtfully curated, offering visitors a chance to engage with the treaty’s text and context. For us, it was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of these documents and their implications for contemporary New Zealand. Not to mention – the personal feelings and emotional impacts that were made by being in the room with such taonga and witnessing the tohu – distinguished markings of those tu pūna - ancestors who signed.
Reflection
Our days at Te Papa and the National Library were both educational and inspirational. The museum’s dedication to presenting Aotearoa New Zealand’s history with authenticity and respect was evident throughout our visit. The team’s expertise and willingness to share their knowledge left a lasting impression, reaffirming the importance of ongoing professional development in understanding the role Te Tiriti o Waitangi plays in our workspace and society. We wanted to express our gratitude to the incredible team at Te Papa National Services Te Paerangi and a special thanks to Puawai Cairns, Signs of a Nation expert, this all occurred due to their support. We thank them for their insights, guidance, dedication and passion!
This trip highlighted the vital role that cultural institutions play in preserving and educating about our shared history. We left Wellington with a renewed sense of respect for the complexities of Aotearoa New Zealand’s history and a greater appreciation for the role of museums in fostering understanding and dialogue.
