Te Manawa Signs Agreement With Tangata Whenua

Tue, 27 Aug 2002

Te Manawa Signs Agreement With Tangata Whenua

The relationship between Te Manawa and Tangata Whenua entered a new phase recently when both parties signed an agreement outlining a formal process for any consultation between the museum and local iwi.

The agreement, known as the Te Rangimarie Document, provides a format for Te Manawa and Tangata Whenua within the museum's catchment district to work together. A unique feature of the agreement is the continuance of the relationship begun in the 1860s by Te Peeti Te Awe Awe and Hoani Meihana, between Rangitane and non-Maori in Manawatu.

Paul O'Brien, Chairperson of the Te Manawa Museums Trust, says, "The relationship between the museum and Tangata Whenua has always been strong - the museum is the custodian of important taonga belonging to Rangitane and other local iwi - this new agreement formalises that relationship and provides guidelines for all future consultation."

The signing of the document was the culmination of a consultation project facilitated by Grant Huwyler and funded by Te Papa's National Services unit.

ENDS

For more information contact Te Manawa Director Julie Catchpole on 06 355 5000.

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