We learned this morning from our lawyer that the Crown applied to drop all charges against Te Wehi Ratana, claiming that it is not in the public interest to proceed to trial. We welcome the news that this morning the Judge dismissed all charges against Te Wehi and he will no longer have to face a jury trial as planned on 30 March 2026. 

Our response is, firstly, jubilation and agreement that it was not in the public interest to go to trial. Secondly, it was never in the “public interest” for Te Papa to overtly and intentionally lie about our country’s history and founding document - at the same time as claiming to represent that history. “The dropping of these charges supports our view that Te Papa has perpetuated harmful narratives that have directly affected Tāngata Whenua and all people that call Aotearoa/New Zealand home” says Te Waka Hourua member Cally O’Neill. “Now that the truth of this matter is laid bare, we should be asking; when will we see Te Papa and The Crown in court for their crimes against the people of Aotearoa?”. 

In recent weeks, the Crown was presented with expert evidence on tikanga from Te Wehi Ratana’s uncle Te Ururoa Flavell, making clear the connection between tikanga and the reasons why we undertook the action at Te Papa 2 years ago. The Crown also had Te Wehi’s own statement, speaking to how and why we did what we did.

“Although we are disappointed it has taken so long to get to this point, we are pleased that the Crown now accepts there is no public interest in prosecuting me” says Te Wehi Ratana.

We understand that this is a significant outcome particularly considering the Crown decision to drop the case after reviewing the tikanga statement of Te Ururoa Flavell.

“Our action in Te Papa was grounded by two fundamental pou; aroha and tikanga. Two things the Crown/NZ Government are incapable of, two things that go against their way of existing. It is the idea of giving and doing right, being selfless and proper, creative acts of kindness and care guided by aspiration of reciprocity and balance. The Crown was built on injustice to people and land, a position that would never have stood up in front of a people’s jury in the courts” says Haimana Hirini. “It is unsurprising, whether conscious or not, that the Crown realised that they never had a case worth fighting” says Hirini.

Currently the panels improved by Te Waka Hourua are being exhibited by Te Pātaka Toi (Adam Art Gallery) at Victoria University. We encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and to continue the kōrero about the reality of our past to ensure that what we build moving forward is something our mokopuna can be proud of.

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