Art at Archives

Media Release

30 January 2007

Art at Archives

Archives New Zealand, home to the Treaty of Waitangi documents, will work with young Wellingtonians to create a three-part mural to commemorate Waitangi Day 2007.

“This is an exciting venture for us and the young people involved,” Dianne Macaskill Chief Executive of Archives New Zealand said.

“Three groups of young people will work with multi-media artist Tai Kerekere, to develop the piece, during the week prior to Waitangi Day,” she said.

“The mural will represent their understanding of the Treaty and what it means for them as young New Zealanders – and it will be the centrepiece for our Archives New Zealand Waitangi Day celebration on 6 February.

“We’ve chosen this approach because of the Treaty’s relevance to all New Zealanders.

“On completion the mural will be hung in the foyer of our Wellington office in Mulgrave Street.”

Dianne Macaskill said Tai Kerekere has been working in the creative arts industry for more than 10 years, as a mixed media artist, curator and tutor. He is currently working in Wellington as a graphic designer and an active member of the Wellington Potters’ Association.

Some of Tai’s mural work can be seen at Te Papa, at Rotorua’s Centra Hotel and he’s also worked on murals for previous Kapa Haka festivals.

“People can call in to Archives to see the youngsters in action or come in on Waitangi Day to see the mural and experience the original 1840 Treaty of Waitangi which we have on show in our Constitution Room.”

“Visitors are always welcome to Archives New Zealand.

“Besides the Treaty we also have on show the 1835 Declaration of Independence of the Northern Chiefs and the 1893 Women’s Suffrage Petition.

“On Waitangi Day guided talks through the Constitution Room will give people the opportunity to hear about the history of the Treaty and its preservation. We have some great books on the Treaty available to young visitors and we will be showing some historical films about Waitangi Day from our film archive.”

Archives New Zealand will be open from 10.00am to 4.00pm on Waitangi Day. Regular opening hours are from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm.

People can see the mural being worked on from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Wednesday 31 January and Thursday and Friday 1 and 2 February in the Living Room, one of the exhibition rooms on the ground floor of Archives.

Archives New Zealand Wellington Office is located on Mulgrave Street, a short walk from the Railway Station and the city bus station.

ENDS

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