It took 7 days to write, 7 months to sign, 168 years to debate … and counting. TREATY 2 U brings the story of the nation’s founding document to all New Zealanders through a unique touring exhibition

It covers the events that led up to the Treaty, from first contact between Mäori and Päkehä, to lengthy debate the night before signing and explains what is written in the documents and the crucial differences between the Mäori and English versions and the ensuing controversy.

Education Supervisor at the Methven Heritage Centre Cathie Connew said it is an exciting opportunity to host a national travelling exhibition with so much relevance to local schools, individuals and organisations.

“It’s wonderful to be invited to host an exhibition of this calibre, it’s an interactive exhibition that uses sight, sound, video, cartoons and animated graphics and makes use of the latest technology so it is really engaging.

I’m hoping as many local and regional schools as possible will bring their students. There are exceptionally well developed teaching programmes on offer and we are also collaborating with museum educators from South Canterbury Museum and the Methven Historical Society to offer programmes with a local focus.

This exhibition isn’t just aimed at school pupils and individuals, groups and visitors will be encouraged to enjoy the exhibition during its six weeks in Methven and entry would be via koha or donation to help meet hosting costs.

As the only location the exhibition will be visiting in Canterbury this year, we hope as many as possible will take the opportunity to view it. It’s a great chance to explore some of the stories behind the controversy and unrest and get information on this important document in an entertaining and accessible way.”

The exhibition was put together by the three organisations with leading roles in looking after this country’s treasures – the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Archives New Zealand and the National Library of New Zealand.

Mrs Connew also said “We’ve got a great classroom space for use adjacent to the exhibition, so in terms of the potential for education programmes here it will also be a taste of things to come when our own exhibition halls open next winter.

There would be opportunities for businesses to also use the exhibition as a platform for educating staff on treaty issues and if demand was shown, some industry training courses could also be run.”

For further exhibition information or group bookings call the Methven Heritage Centre on 03 302 9666 or visit www.methvenheritagecentre.co.nz.

Developed by Te Papa, the hugely successful travelling exhibition has been expanded and will be on show in the Functions Room at the Methven Heritage Centre for six weeks from August 20th.