Access to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the 1835 Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand and the 1893 Women’s Suffrage Petition is set to be easier through a new exhibition space at the National Library.
"He Tohu" was unveiled today and the priceless documents will be displayed in a physically larger space, using more modern conservation technology and new education resources. The new exhibition will have extended opening hours to six days a week.
Whilst the National Library will house the new exhibition, the documents remain the statutory responsibility of Archives New Zealand and the Chief Archivist, Marilyn Little.
Ms Little says each of the three documents had unique preservation challenges.
"The Crown's primary responsibility as holder of the taonga is their preservation, for future generations."
He Tohu has been developed by the Department of Internal Affairs as a Crown – Māori partnership, with guidance from a formal Māori Technical Advisory Group and Women's Suffrage Petition Advisory Group.