He whakapapa kōrero, he whenua kura
Talking about our past, to create a better future

Pānui 9 - April 2017

The taonga about to leave Archives New Zealand, accompanied by 500 invited guests with connections to the constitutional documents.

The taonga have arrived at the National Library.

In preparation for He Tohu opening, New Zealand’s iconic documents moved to National Library in historic, emotional pre-dawn ceremonial procession

– led by Ngāpuhi, procession including iwi from throughout the country, women’s groups, church leaders, military and government officials
 

New Zealand’s most precious founding documents were accompanied to their 
new home in the early hours of Saturday, 22 April, by a ceremonial procession led by a Ngāpuhi tohunga performing karakia. The three taonga documents are:

• 1835 He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni – Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand
• 1840 Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Treaty of Waitangi
• 1893 Women’s Suffrage Petition – Te Petihana Whakamana Pōti Wahine

The three documents were moved under tight security and strict archival conditions. In addition to the safe and secure transfer of the documents by Archives New Zealand, the move was of particular significance to the descendants of the signatories and those who support what they stand for. For Māori, they represented a sacred tikanga event, uplifting the mana and tapu elements of these three taonga.

They were moved from Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga to the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa in preparation for the opening to the public of He Tohu, the new permanent national exhibition of these iconic documents, on 20 May.

The development of He Tohu has been done in partnership between Crown and Māori, with the historic move of the documents a reflection of that partnership.

The Hon Peter Dunne, Minister of Internal Affairs, said: “This ceremony was a unique event in the history of this country, as it marks a new stage in the life of these three precious documents.”

Said Kura Moeahu (Taranaki Whānui), Wellington manawhenua leader of the He Tohu tikanga group: “ This move, and how it was done in partnership, is itself a milestone in the relationship between Māori and Pāhekā.”

He Tohu is presented by Archives New Zealand and the National Library of New Zealand, both of which are part of the Department of Internal Affairs. The documents remain under the guardianship and care of the Chief Archivist and Archives New Zealand.

Planning for the move of the taonga was led by Chief Archivist, Marilyn Little (second left), closely supported by the He Tohu Tikanga Māori group (from left) Hugh Karena, Department of Internal Affairs Director, Māori Strategy and Relationships; Hinerangi Himiona, He Tohu Principal Māori Advisor and Kura Moeahu, from Wellington manawhenua iwi Taranaki Whānui.

Chief Archivist Marilyn Little – kaitiaki of our nation’s archival treasures

Marilyn Little was appointed Chief Archivist three years ago, at the very beginning of the He Tohu  archives exhibition project.

Assuming the statutory responsibility of Archives New Zealand to protect the nation’s archival treasures is a role she takes “very, very seriously”.

The development of the He Tohu permanent exhibition at the National Library of New Zealand – featuring the three constitutional documents that shape our nation – has added unique dimensions and challenges to her role.

She explains: “The Crown’s primary responsibility as holder of the taonga is their preservation for future generations. Each of the three He Tohu documents has unique challenges, which we have worked on ahead of the exhibition opening”.

The new exhibition has also meant the commissioning of state-of-the-art display cases (manufactured by world-renowned Glasbau Hahn in Germany) which will allow greater visual access and the climate conditions in the cases which will ensure the documents’ long term preservation.   The stringent security
that surrounded the taonga in Archives New Zealand’s Constitution Room will,
of course, continue.

The other dimension was facing the fact that the taonga were to leave for the nearby National Library of New Zealand.

Marilyn stresses this is only a physical separation, because under law she –
as Chief Archivist – and Archives New Zealand continue their kaitiangitanga. “The job continues, just in a different whare and working with our partners
in the National Library.”

“The move is one of mixed emotions for Archive New Zealand staff. While saddened that these three precious taonga won’t be as physically close, there is much excitement about the fabulous new He Tohu exhibition and the learning opportunities it presents, particularly for our young people.”

Marilyn says she is proud of Archives New Zealand’s contribution to He Tohu  and for the delivery of the meticulously planned and superbly executed move of the taonga.

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For further information, please go to dia.govt.nz/Archive-Exhibition-Project
or contact hetohu@dia.govt.nz