8 May 2025
Wellington Museum is bringing a milestone photographic exhibition of 50 images commemorating 50 years of the Waitangi Tribunal to the capital city.
In partnership with the Waitangi Tribunal, He Kura Toi Tangata: 50 years of the Waitangi Tribunal 1975-2025 opens on 24 May at Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho Wellington Museum.
“This exhibition has significance for every New Zealander. It’s a great way for all New Zealanders to inform themselves about our past and learn more about one of our founding documents”, says Tānemahuta Gray, Kaihautū Director of Māori Strategy at Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington.
“We’re hearing a lot of discussion about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles right now. It’s the zeitgeist issue of the moment and learning more about it is a great way to bring value to these conversations so we can have stronger discussions. We all have a collective part to play in this partnership.”
Through a series of 50 images and narratives, the exhibition explores pivotal moments, landmark cases, and the enduring legacy of the Tribunal in addressing Treaty of Waitangi grievances.
“This exhibition gives us a chance to get close to the personal stories of how people bring claims and provides a bird’s eye view of the breadth of work the Tribunal undertakes to understand each claim,” says Gray.
Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi unveiled the landmark exhibition, developed by the Waitangi Tribunal to mark its 50th anniversary, on 5 February 2025. Proudly sponsored by the Borrin Foundation, it captures the rich history and profound impact of the Waitangi Tribunal over the past 50 years. The exhibition closed at Waitangi on 6 April 2025 ahead of its move to Te Waka Huia Wellington Museum.
Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi Curator Owen Taituha said it was an honour to collaborate in the development and staging of this powerful exhibition, which not only celebrates the Tribunal’s 50th anniversary but also provides a deep, visual reflection on its journey and achievements.
“He Kura Toi Tangata offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the Tribunal’s history and the significant role it has played in shaping modern New Zealand.”
The exhibition also features a 35-minute documentary Karanga Rā: 50 years of the Tribunal by Te Whatanui Flavell of Hautu Creatives featuring interviews with three former Tribunal Chairs Sir Eddie Durie, Justice Sir Joe Williams and Judge Wilson Isaac, former Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias and claimant lawyer Horiana Irwin-Easthope, reflecting on the achievements of the Tribunal.
Wheako Pōneke Tumu Whakarae Chief Executive Diana Marsh says it’s important to show the exhibition in Wellington.
“When I attended the opening of the exhibition at Waitangi in February, I saw how much this show connected the work of the Tribunal to our people and land. I know the rich history of the Tribunal and its significant impact for all New Zealanders will resonate with Wellingtonians.”
Tānemahuta Gray says Wellington Museum, which actively collects and shares the stories of the people of Pōneke, has an important role to play in telling the story of the Tribunal through the exhibition and public programmes, supported by Public Programmes partner Kāhui Legal.
“It’s wonderful we can bring the exhibition to this side of Te Ika ā Māui and the capital city and uphold the mana of the Waitangi Tribunal. The Tribunal is based just a few blocks away from our Museum, and so many people in Wellington know people who have worked there and been part of the fabric of it all, so in a sense it’s a story of Wellington too.”
He Kura Toi Tangata: 50 Years of the Waitangi Tribunal,1975-2025 is at Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho Wellington Museum from 24 May to 25 September 2025.
The name He Kura Toi Tangata was bestowed by Tribunal member Tā Pou Temara and means Treasured Contributions.