5 October 2009

Media Release

Forward Thinking Keeps Kapiti’s Photographic Treasures Safe

Digital photography and paper conservation workshop
Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October 2009, 9am – 5pm
Te Wänanga-o-Raukawa – Whare Toi, corner of Tasman Road and Te Rauparaha Road, Otaki

Damage to precious photographs from recent wharenui fires around Aotearoa has highlighted the need for techniques in digital records and conservation. The trauma and loss suffered by whänau, especially when there are no copies, or records kept of the photographs is immense. Concerns from iwi into keeping photographic taonga safe from damage led to the development of this two-day workshop. Participants will be able to learn how to copy tupuna and whänau photographs and how to care for and store paper works and photographs at home, or on marae.

National Services Te Paerangi (NSTP) of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa) is running the workshop, in partnership with Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Te Whakaminenga o Kapiti and Kapiti Coast District Council.

Chairman of Te Whakaminenga o Kapiti and Tumuaki of Te Rünanga o Raukawa, Te Waari Carkeek, said today “The workshop is an opportunity for whanau, hapū and iwi to learn how to safely store images and preserve all iwi documents. This workshop is invaluable for iwi to preserve and maintain the integrity of taonga for our future generations.”

The workshop focuses on basic theory and techniques behind capturing good quality copies with a digital camera, techniques and methods for the care and storage of paper taonga, and how to make appropriate storage containers. Participants are encouraged to bring a collection of photographs/whakaahua, paper documents (such as whakapapa manuscripts or journals) and their digital camera.

Workshop presenters, photographer, Kate Whitley and conservator, Vicki-Anne Heikell (Te Whänau-a-Apanui) have many years experience between them, and are looking forward to the opportunity to share their knowledge with the community.

NSTP works in collaboration with local iwi, museums, community, and heritage organisations to provide training opportunities that help with the long term care and preservation of taonga held in the community. A series of marae-based workshops throughout Aotearoa have been developed by NSTP. Gavin Reedy, Te Papa’s Iwi Development Officer, said today, “We understand that iwi and museums in small communities can’t always come to Wellington to participate in our workshops, so we are on the road around Aotearoa bringing the support to them. Our aim is to raise awareness among iwi of the practical ways that NSTP can help them care for their own taonga. We can also let them know of the strategic relationships that we have with other agencies that further enhance and support that mission.”

Background

NSTP works with museums, galleries, iwi (tribes), and related organisations to enhance museum services, and support these to become self-sustaining. Our goal is for museums and iwi to be significantly strengthened by increased participation in our programmes, and by working collaboratively at local and national level.

As well as an Iwi Development Officer, NSTP has a two Museum Development Officers - one for the North Island and another for the South Island. These staff members spend the majority of their days in the field, meeting museum personnel and assisting them, and then returning valuable information to the hub at Te Papa about the needs of the sector.

For more information about National Services Te Paerangi and our workshop calendar, visit www.nationalservices.tepapa.govt.nz

ENDS