March 20, 2024
Damaged treaty display makes minister unhappy
Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith has told Te Papa to take down the Treaty of Waitangi display damaged by activists.
In December members of protest roopu Wakahourua used paint and angle grinders to deface the part of the Signs of a Nation display showing the English text of the treaty.
Mr Goldsmith says he has told the museum’s board he expects it to be removed.
“Yes, I expect them to fix that and replace that. It shouldn’t stay on as it is for long periods of time and part of the legislation of Te Papa is that it should be a place where all New Zealanders feel proud and I don’t think a vandalised sign of the English language Treaty of Waitangi is helpful,” he says.
Minister Goldsmith says he can request but not enforce the display’s removal, and the board’s response will not affect Te Papa’s funding.