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The acting chief executive of Te Papa Tongarewa says a close connection with Maori is important for the national museum.
Arapata Hakiwai says the new vision of the museum is about changing heart, changing lives and changing minds.
That means making a difference in the communities whose taonga the museum holds.
He says rather than being a passive repository, the museum is working with iwi, including 32 involved in the treaty claim process . . . including Rongowhakaata, which is negotiating to relocate its house Te Hau ki Turanga from Wellington to Gisborne.
"It’s the same issues that come up all the time: the reconnection to taonga; the importance of taonga to our identity and history; so Maori like Te Papa and we want to strengthen that and part of that is to make sure we are relevant and connected," Mr Hakiwai says.
The museum is looking forward to its Matariki season, including a senior kapa haka festival that will be broadcast on Maori Television.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH ARAPATA HAKIWAI CLICK ON THE LINK
http://www.waateanews.com/play_podcast?podlink=MTg4OTE=
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