The Hon Tariana Turia
Maori Party Co-Leader | MP for Te Tai Hauauru

19 October 2011

Treaty Moving To New Home

Co-leader of the Maori Party, Tariana Turia, has welcomed the announcement from Minister Nathan Guy, that the original 1840 Te Tiriti o Waitangi will be moved to a new home, a purpose built centre in the refurbished National Library building.

“Recently, Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias, Chief Justice of New Zealand, described Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation of New Zealand law. For tangata whenua Te Tiriti remains a sacred covenant of utmost meaning. It is therefore highly appropriate that one of our foremost constitutional frameworks is protected, preserved and yet also accessible to every New Zealander".

"The Maori Party has appreciated the consultation that has occurred around the ongoing care and responsibility for a document of such national significance. We recommended that there be engagement with mana whenua about the shift; and we are pleased to see the progress made.

"The undertakings of Te Tiriti o Waitangi were far-sighted. We welcome the opportunity for all to cast their eyes upon Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to gain a fresh understanding of our cultural heritage".

ENDS

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