25 January 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

2008 Treaty Debates - 31 January & 7 February, Soundings Theatre, Te Papa

2008 sees the return of the much-anticipated series of debates exploring the Treaty of Waitangi – its place in New Zealand history and its meaning today.

This year’s theme is ‘Finding Common Ground’ and will be chaired by Dr Claudia Orange of Te Papa and Claudia Geiringer of Victoria University’s Centre for Public Law. The speakers focus on their own experiences to highlight key aspects of the theme, bringing a unique and engaging perspective to Treaty issues.

Speaking on Thursday 31 January at 6.30pm are Dr Matthew Palmer, former Dean of Law at Victoria University, and Professor Mason Durie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori) and Professor of Māori Research and Development at Massey University.

Dr Charles Royal, composer and researcher in the creative use of indigenous knowledge, and Joris de Bres, New Zealand’s Race Relations Commissioner will speak on Thursday 7 February at 6.30pm.

The Treaty Debates are to be recorded by Radio New Zealand National so no latecomers will be admitted. Radio New Zealand National will broadcast the debates on Sunday 3 and Sunday 10 February at 4.06pm. They will repeat the broadcasts on the following Tuesdays at 9.06pm.

The treaty debates are organised by Te Papa in partnership with the NZ Centre for Public Law at Victoria University of Wellington.

ENDS

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