2 Feb 2024

More visiting Te Tiriti exhibit at Te Papa after damage

From Morning Report, 8:25 am on 2 February 2024

Te Papa says the number of visitors identifying its Te Tiriti exhibit as a highlight has jumped from 18 percent to 43 percent since December.

That's when a group of protestors damaged the wooden panel showing the English version with spray paint and an angle grinder.

The move came after years of calls to update the exhibition amid criticisms that it suggests two equal documents were signed.

The protestors said the display should make it explicit that Māori never ceded sovereignty.

The museum's co-leaders said at the time they would "renew" the exhibit and have formed a new team to spearhead the project.

Chief executive Courtney Johnston spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.