The Treaty Debates Series At Te Papa

Te Papa, in partnership with the New Zealand Centre for Public Law, Victoria University of Wellington, presents The Treaty Debates Series. The series will provide an opportunity to debate three highly relevant topics relating to the Treaty of Waitangi as New Zealand's founding document, to examine the Treaty's impact on society today and to consider what its implications are for the future.

Chaired by Dr Claudia Orange, Director of History and Pacific Cultures at Te Papa, and Professor Matthew Palmer, Dean of Law at Victoria University of Wellington, these debates will provide an opportunity to listen to well-informed viewpoints and provocative discussion on the Treaty.

Thursday 3 February 6.30pm-8.00pm: Unsettled Histories: The Waitangi Tribunal and Treaty Settlements Panellists: Joe Williams - Chief Judge of the M?ori Land Court and Chairman of the Waitangi Tribunal. These appointments followed a career in a major law firm where he specialised in Mäori issues. His tribal affiliations are Ngati Pukenga and Te Arawa. Wira Gardiner - Businessman and consultant. The first Director of the Waitangi Tribunal's business unit that supported the Tribunal's work, he is experienced in M?ori issues. His tribal affiliations are Te Arawa, Ngati Awa, Ngati Pikiao, Whakatohea and Te Whanau-a-Apanui.

Thursday 10 February 6.30pm-8.00pm: Tidal Power: The Foreshore and Seabed Act Panellists: Tim Castle - Barrister and Treaty lawyer with long-standing experience in a range of Treaty matters, including the Mäori Fisheries Act 2003. Was the special independent legal counsel contracted to provide advice to the Parliamentary Select Committee on policy and legislation for the Foreshore and Seabed Bill 2004. Tahu Potiki - Chief Executive of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu. Has held positions as Chairman of the Board of Ngai Tahu Development Corporation and as Kaiarahi at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology. He currently serves on the Board of He Oranga Pounamu and has also served as a Board member of both the West Coast and Canterbury District Health Boards.

Thursday 17 February 6.30pm-8.00pm: Necessity or Nullity?: Constitutional Reform and the Treaty Panellists: Matthew Palmer - Pro Vice Chancellor (Government Relations) and Dean of Law at Victoria University of Wellington, and Director of the New Zealand Centre for Public Law. Previously he was Deputy Secretary for Justice (Public Law) for five years, and has also worked in the Treasury. Carrie Wainwright - Judge of the M?ori Land Court and a Waitangi Tribunal judge, currently the presiding officer for the Tribunal's Wairarapa ki Tararua and Whanganui district inquiries, and is a member of the Tribunal's Governance Group. Formerly a partner in a Wellington law firm, where she practiced as a litigation lawyer for 13 years specialising in judicial review and law relating to the Treaty of Waitangi, acting extensively for M?ori parties.

All debates are to be held in Soundings Theatre, Level 2, Te Papa. Entry is free.