Documents moved in stealth operation
The Treaty of Waitangi was one of a shipment of precious documents moved overnight Friday from Archives New Zealand in central Wellington to its new home at the National Library.
The 1840 document was moved under tight security along with the 1835 He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni (Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand) and the 1893 Te Petihana Whakamana Poti Wahine (The Women’s Suffrage Petition).
The documents were so sensitive that light, vibration and humidity were all threats – the operation had been planned for three months, including a rehearsal last week.
Minister Peter Dunne was at the National Library to announce the documents had been moved to their new home safely, welcoming ceremony Pipitea Marae.
He said his great-grandmother’s signature was thought to be among those on the Women’s Suffrage Petition.
The final cost of the project came in at $7.2 million, nudging it only slightly over the DIA’s budget.
Senior Maori leader Sir Mark Solomon praised the care with which the documents were moved into their new public display.
The move will allow the three documents to go on display for He Tohu, a permanent exhibition of the nationally significant documents at the National Library.
Department of Internal Affairs director of Maori strategy and engagement, Hugh Karena, said there was likely to be huge interest in viewing the Treaty from the public and for visitors to Wellington being shown the before a at the Parliament precinct.
It would also be an resource for schools pupils about the Treaty.
The original display at Archives NZ was built in 1989 and had become outdated.
It was hoped the documents’ new, light-controlled home would keep them protected for many centuries to come.
Due to the documents’ lightsensitive inks, people who want to read them will have to push a button so a low-level light illuminates them.
The plan to rehouse the Treaty was announced five years ago, but by late 2013 the DIA said it was going to miss its original planned move date.
By that point, $2.3 million had already been spent on the project, leading to criticism of the overall project, and a review was launched. important teaching