Education.
Unable to visit due to Alert Level travel restrictions? Take a look at our Virtual Experience. Subject to availability.
The on-site and hands-on learning experiences at the Treaty Grounds provide excellent opportunities for learners to critically engage with Waitangi, the place, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and The Treaty of Waitangi, and with the history of Aotearoa New Zealand as a nation. The Education Experience runs twice a day Monday to Friday (9:30am and 1:30pm) excluding public holidays.
Our on-site programmes are developed by our own New Zealand trained teachers and link closely with the New Zealand Curriculum. All visits are carefully planned in conjunction with the visiting teachers to ensure your particular focus/requirements for the visit are met.
- Visit to Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi or Te Rau Aroha museum
- Guided tour of the grounds
- Cultural Performance with pōwhiri
- Practical activities, such as learning waiata, art, craft and technology activities, traditional games and re-enacting parts of historic events.
We also have a Digital Learning programme.
Please Note:
All schools/youth organisations wishing to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds must be accompanied by our Education staff so pre-booking is essential.
There is usually only enough time for a visit to one of the two museums. Our educators will help you choose which museum suits your students learning/focus best.
“Well worth it for our group. Most definitely will be back”
“This experience was highly engaging & the students really enjoyed their learning”
The Education Experience is for all NZ student/youth groups Y1-13 wishing to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
We also have an International Experience for overseas students wanting to learn more about our history and culture, as well as a fun ECE programme for our youngest learners (2-5yrs)!
Please get in touch for more information about these programmes.
This is a 3hr programme which may include an educational tour through one of our museums (Te Kōngahu or Te Rau Aroha), a hīkoi though the grounds via Ngātokimatawhaorua up to the flagstaff and onto the Whare Rūnanga, practical activities and a cultural performance*. All programmes are tailored to your requirements and learning focus to ensure the ultimate learning experience for your students. You will have an opportunity to collaborate with our Educators for your lesson planning before the visit.
Due to time constraints we cannot offer a tour through both our museums. Please indicate which museum would suit your students best when making your enquiry.
*extra cost to include cultural performance
All groups are required to book their visits in advance to ensure a member of the Education Team is available to accompany them. Our programme is becoming increasingly popular and is often fully booked weeks in advance.
Please note: If you have a certain date in mind please book well ahead of time to avoid disappointment. You can make a booking enquiry by clicking on the Booking Form button above.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 we are required to ensure the health & safety of our visitors as well as our employees. We have identified several risks on-site and it is our duty to put controls in place to mitigate these risks. One of these controls is for our educators to lead every visit. If you have your own lesson plan for the visit our educator will still need to accompany you and therefore booking is essential.
Please note: This requirement includes all organisations with under 18’s e.g youth groups, sports team etc
To comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 we require you to bring an adult to child supervision ratio of 1:7 for Y1 – 8 and 1:10 for Y9 – 13. These adults are free of charge.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds does not currently receive operational funding from local or central government, and we rely on the admission fees of our visitors to keep up our world class visitor experience.
We currently hold a Learning Experiences Outside The Classroom (LEOTC) contract with the Ministry of Education which provides subsidised funding for state/state integrated schools only. This allows us to keep the costs as low as possible and your admission helps us continue operating our Education Programme.
Yes we have completed a RAM form for Y1-13 and ECE 0-5yrs for your use.
We aim to accommodate the needs of all learners and will work with you to achieve this the best we can. Find more information on how we plan for learners with special education needs in this e-book below.
We encourage all teachers to have a read of our Teacher Handbook if you have any more questions please get in touch.
You can view our policy here
Cancellation Policy
Bookings may be cancelled without penalty up to 48 hours before date of travel. Cancellations within 48 hours of date of travel or a no-show may be charged in full. In the unlikely event that a booked experience is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, e.g COVID-19 restrictions, flooding etc Waitangi Treaty Grounds will refund the paid amount in full.
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Looking for something creative to do these holidays? Bring along your whānau and weave some colourful stars at our Star Waka School Holiday Programme!
Join our education team in Te Kōngahu Exhibition Gallery from 11 - 22 July on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm.
Free for Friends of Waitangi and Experience Pass holders to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Adults must accompany children.
Te Kāpehu Whetū (Whangārei) has a special connection to the 28 (Māori) Battalion and visited Te Rau Aroha to learn more about the soldiers' experiences during World War II.
Here rangatahi listen to a repetoire of wartime songs, some composed by battalion members, many of whom were talented musicians and entertainers. In war-torn Italy, there were many rich exchanges between the battalion and local people through a shared love of song and music.
The famous 'Māori Battalion Marching Song' was composed in 1939 by the battalion's Corporal Anania Amohau and became their anthem.
Perfect for Matariki, our latest exhibition, Star Waka, by Ngā Turuturu o te Tara (Coromandel Weavers Collective) with Chris Charteris and Maureen Lander, celebrates past, present and future voyaging to and from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Get creative with your whānau in this star-studded magical space and weave your own unique whetū (stars) with easy instructional videos and all materials supplied.
Special acknowledgement to Maryann Talia Pau of The One Billion Stars to End Violence project. This exhibition first began in Whitianga for Tuia 250 commemorations, sponsored by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage Tuia 250 programme.
For more on Star Waka (open 28 May - 28 August) ow.ly/TllC50JCcXo,
Comment on Facebook Perfect for ...
Wow looks like some awesome creations down there
Throughout Waitangi Treaty Grounds you'll find beautiful Māori artforms such as whakairo rākau (woodcarvings), kōwhaiwhai (painted designs, often with geometric swirls) and tukutuku (woven flax panels).
During our Education Experience, students can create their own versions inspired by what they see and learn. These unique artworks were created by carving designs into foam sheets to print onto cards.
Check out our hands-on learning resource to explore key meanings, patterns and symbols found in whakairo, kōwhaiwhai and tukutuku.
Stories from Te Wharenui: ow.ly/i8Xp50JC8qG
On this date in 1902, this New Zealand flag design was officially approved after evolving over several years. Its origins date from 1865 when the British government required ships from the colonies to fly the Blue Ensign with the colony's badge on it.
NZ didn’t have a recognised badge in 1865 so the words 'New Zealand' were added to the Blue Ensign, later shortened to ‘NZ’ in red letters with white borders.
In 1869, the Southern Cross replaced ‘NZ’ on the Blue Ensign, signifying our place in the Pacific Ocean. Officially still a maritime flag, it gradually became recognised as a national flag.
For more on NZ flags, including NZ's first official flag Te Kara (1834): ow.ly/osZU50Jt7ex
Image: ow.ly/5oWq50Jt7ey
Te Kōngahu’s stories transport students back to the early 19th century with tales of whalers and sealers, among the first Europeans to arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Kororāreka (Russell) was an important port of call for hundreds of ships visiting each year for rest, recreation and supplies - a lucrative trade opportunity for Māori.
Māori also joined whaling vessels as crew, for some it was their ticket to travel, the equivalent of today’s NZ tradition of the ‘OE’!
Today is World Oceans Day when people unite to celebrate and take action for our oceans. NZ plays a leading role in the management and protection of the world's whales and is a recognised world leader in marine mammal protection.
On 24 June 2022, we officially celebrate Matariki, Te Tau Hou Māori (the Māori New Year) as a new national holiday - an amazing milestone for Aotearoa New Zealand!
Matariki is traditionally a time of renewal, celebration and remembrance marked as the Matariki star cluster rises around mid-winter. Hundreds of stars make up the cluster but only 9 are visible to the naked eye. Puanga (Rigel) is another significant star for some iwi to mark this time.
Explore Matariki legends and traditions in our hands-on learning resource: ow.ly/93pT50JpSYE
Get creative with our Digital Technologies Matariki-themed resource: ow.ly/MaoE50JpSYG
Photo by Robert Gendler: M45 Star Cluster shows the Māori names of the 9 Matariki stars, along with the Greek names.
Comment on Facebook On 24 June 2022, we ...
How awesome we're celebrating this as a nation!
He kaupapa anō tā ngā kōhine o Whangārei Girls High School, arā te ‘Whakairo Academy’. Nā Matua Richard Otene e whakamārama atu te whakapapa o te whakairo. Kātahi ka whakaaturia i etahi o ngā momo rākau, arā te kauri, te tōtara, te pūriri me te maire. I tino oho rātou i te rangona kore pai te kauri me te tōtara hei hanga i ngā rākau patu tangata, pērā i te taiaha, i te mea he rākau ngāwari wērā. I whai wā hoki rātou ki te whakamahi, ki te whakamātau i ngā pūoro nā Matua i hanga.
WGHS Whakairo Academy (Carving Academy) students recently visited us - here our tohunga whakairo (expert carver) Matua Richard Otene shares stories of the origins of whakairo and the different uses of rākau such as kauri, tōtara and pūriri. They were surprised to hear that kauri and totara are soft woods and were not used for weapons. The girls also tried out a few pūoro (traditional Māori musical instruments) carved by Matua.
“Perhaps the Queen may listen to the petitions if they are presented by her Māori sisters, since she is a woman as well.”
Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia on Māori matters of concern, addressing Te Kotahitanga Parliament (Māori Parliament) on this date, 1893.
Stories of the Māori signatories of the 1893 Women's Suffrage Petition have not always been visible, such as that of Tai Tokerau suffragist Meri Te Tai (Te Rarawa), who requested not just the vote for women, but the right to stand in parliament. Māori women were highly engaged in issues of women’s rights in this era.
Māori women & the Suffrage Petition: ow.ly/oXRz50J5QXk
Image source: ow.ly/tu8w50J5QXl
These fine young men from Dilworth School, Auckland, were the first students to visit Waitangi this term. They impressed us with their depth of thinking as they completed digital missions in Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi. Part of a 3-day Year 13 history trip, they also visited other significant historic sites in Northland.
The Bay of Islands Education Network organised it all for them, including activities, meals, transport and accommodation. Why not let them make organising school trips and camps easy for you! Find out more: ow.ly/x3qX50J4LoS
This week (9-15 May 2022) is New Zealand Sign Language Week (NZSL), a celebration of NZSL as an official language of New Zealand. NZSL became an official language in 2006, and we first celebrated NZSL Week in 2007.
Did you know that the Treaty of Waitangi has been translated into 30 of the languages spoken in NZ? NZSL is the only one to have the Māori version of the Treaty of Waitangi - Te Tiriti o Waitangi, translated into NZSL.
Read our blog for more: ow.ly/yGmI50J4FBZ
Image: "The Treaty of Waitangi" in NZSL: ow.ly/Cmyp50J4FC0
Comment on Facebook This week (9-15 May ...
a maori version of sign language?
Welcome to Term 2! Our education team looks forward to hosting your group - you'll often be welcomed by the tuneful notes and noisy whirring flight of tūī. In te ngahere (the forest), discover traditional lore of our flora and fauna. Did you know that Māori stories tell of tūī, great mimics, being kept as pets and trained to talk? Some manu (birds) were so well-trained they could welcome people to a marae.
For student Education Experiences: ow.ly/cAOH50IWIMh
For teacher/principal visits and support around the new ANZH curriculum: ow.ly/oAbn50IWIMf
Their names shall live for ever
In the Halls of Memory.
They gave their lives as ransom
That we who live be free.
They bought us peace and freedom,
Nor grudged the utmost price.
God grant that we prove worthy
Of their great sacrifice.
(From "A Poem for Anzac Day" by a New Zealander)
Full poem: ow.ly/Cwnu50IPkUw
Observed on 25 April every year, Anzac Day commemorates all New Zealanders killed or missing in war and also honours returned and serving servicemen and women. It marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian troops, popularly known as the ANZACS (the acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915.
Photo: This Field of Remembrance includes a cross for 'A New Zealand Soldier Known unto God' which represents the thousands of New Zealanders killed or missing in action who have no known grave.
Comment on Facebook Their names shall ...
All heroes..
Salute
Cadets from the Leadership Academy of A Company formally lay this Field of Remembrance at Waitangi in preparation for Anzac Day. The crosses each bear a name and commemorate the nearly 600 men of the famed 28 (Māori) Battalion killed in action who lie on foreign soil in Greece, Italy, Austria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Germany, and Poland. Some 16,000 Māori and Pacific Island soldiers enlisted in the armed forces during the Second World War. About 3600 served in the 28 (Māori) Battalion. Education groups can explore their stories in Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship.
Read more on the 28 (Māori) Battalion: ow.ly/h1PX50INglu
For more on Anzac Day: nzhistory.govt.nz/war/anzac-day-resources
Comment on Facebook Cadets from the ...
They served without question and will always be respected for the price they payed!
Maori need to remember our own, not like the Pakeha who give Maori Soldiers their medals😡
Salute
I think anyone who went to war served without question regardless of what country they came from
A highlight for many education groups is being welcomed into Te Whare Rūnanga, Waitangi's beautifully carved meeting house, for our cultural performance. Our resident kapa haka group, Te Pitowhenua, showcases Māori performing arts in a high-energy show that leaves students of all ages spellbound. Te Pitowhenua welcomes questions and photos with students after the show- perhaps they may inspire some of them to become performers in the future, helping to preserve and share these rich cultural taonga (treasures).
Comment on Facebook A highlight for many...
The show is really splendid. Thank you.
Orrsome
Wartime graffiti shows NZ soldiers retaining identity and culture in another land. This greeting ‘Kia Ora’, flanked by ferns, is carved on a tunnel wall under Arras, France, possibly by a New Zealand (Māori) Pioneer Battalion member. In 1916, over 40 battalion members assisted the New Zealand Tunnelling Company to construct the massive underground complex. Hokianga soldier Fred Eru Toe's name is among the many carvings; he was 21 when he enlisted in the battalion. It would have been bitterly cold when he joined the men digging the tunnels. What may have been going through the soldiers' minds as they left their marks in the cold, dark tunnels? We encourage students visiting Te Rau Aroha to imagine the reality of wartime life for these soldiers.
Photo copyright: Jeff Gusky, 2014
On this date in 1919, the Pioneer Māori Battalion was welcomed home with a mix of joy, relief and sorrow, and wide public acclaim. The Herald at the time described the Auckland Domain occasion as "the greatest Māori ceremonial of its kind since the royal visit to Rotorua in 1901".
The first Māori Contingent had left New Zealand in early 1915. A year later the NZ Pioneer Battalion was formed of Māori and Pākehā platoons. In 1917 it became a Māori unit, the Pioneer (Māori) Battalion, which later included Pacific Islanders too.
This photo (Auckland Weekly News) of the soldiers marching up Queen Street on 6 April 1919 is seen in Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship, which honours Māori commitment to the armed forces. As students explore exhibits, we encourage them to think critically about the reasons many Māori chose to work and fight alongside Pākehā in both WW1 and WW2, and whether their sacrifice was worth the quest for equality.
Photo: Auckland Libraries, Heritage Collections AWNS-19190410-34-2
For classroom ideas and activities around Anzac Day, explore curated WW1 learning and teaching resources from the National Library: ow.ly/8gTC50IByQO and Christchurch City Library: ow.ly/J2r050IByQN
Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi ends with a whakatauki (proverb) alongside this pounamu kōhatu (greenstone boulder). Te Whārikī kia mōhio ai tātou ki a tātou – The Tapestry of understanding embodies the weaving together of peoples and understandings in our nation. Gifted to the Waitangi National Trust and the Ngāpuhi people by Ngāi Tahu/Ngāti Waewae, it's the perfect space for students to gather and reflect on the many strands that make up the tapestry of our histories.
Waka and navigation are an important part of Waitangi's story. Waka have always played a vital role in Māori culture, essential for travel and uniquely constructed and carved as symbolic representations of each iwi’s (tribe’s) identity and spirituality. Here at our waka area, our kaiako Cherie leads students in a hands-on 'paddling' experience as they learn about traditional methods of navigation, such as Te kapehu whetū – the Māori star compass. It divides the 360 degrees around a canoe in the open ocean into different whare (houses). The location of these houses depends on where the sun, moon and stars set and rise. The navigator attempts to keep the canoe on a course relative to these observations.
Comment on Facebook Waka and navigation ...
This would be fascinating .
We're excited that the final content for teaching Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories and Te Takanga o Te Wā in schools and kura has been released. From 2023, students up to Year 10 will learn how our histories have shaped our nation. Planning ahead for PLD for your school? We can support and inspire you on your journey. We welcome teacher groups to join us for an Aotearoa New Zealand's Histories Te Kōngahu Museum Tour, designed to build on understanding aspects of the curriculum. Make a day of it and explore the grounds fully!
For info on the tour and more: ow.ly/SLOI50Itajf
Find out about the new curriculum: ow.ly/XQBx50Itaje
Today in 1834, a crowd gathered right here as 25 northern rangatira chose our first official flag, needed as trade grew with New South Wales. We share with students how Hokianga chief Patuone and relative Taonui sailed to Sydney on the Sir George Murray, first NZ-built European-style ship. Impounded on arrival, it breached British maritime laws requiring ships to fly a national flag. Did you know Te Kara is still a legal flag of NZ? Read more: ow.ly/10LK50Iev6x
Your local area is the best place to start exploring Tūrangawaewae me te kaitiakitanga/Place and Environment, one of 4 national contexts in the new ANZ's histories curriculum. It looks at relationships of individuals, groups, and communities with the land, water, and resources, and at the history of contests over their control, use, and protection. Our Māori placenames record stories of important ancestors and events, creating a striking snapshot of our history. Check out our inquiry unit - Stories of our Māori Placenames: ow.ly/oxv350IknY9
Comment on Facebook Your local area is ...
This is a so interesting. We?should try to learn some of these Maori names and what they may signify about our environment and history.
Tapora School (Wellsford) Year 1-8 teachers and students visited Waitangi recently. Here curious explorers take different perspectives of Te Kōngahu's digital stories. Projections show Northern Hemisphere navigators arriving, followed by whalers, sealers, traders and missionaries. Students imagine those early meetings and interactions between Māori and Europeans as relationships developed.
📷 Michelle Carmichael
Comment on Facebook Tapora School ...
Tapora School
A picture worth a thousand words - this image in Te Kōngahu conveys Māori disillusionment after the treaty. Today marks 177 years since the British flag on Maiki Hill above Kororāreka (Russell) was felled for the fourth time. This challenge to the British Crown launched the Northern War (1845-46) led by Hōne Heke and Kawiti. Can't visit just yet? Check out our Virtual Experience on causes and consequences of the Northern War and wider NZ Wars: ow.ly/pzTG50IgG1B
In Te Kōngahu students view a film of NZ history (1860s to present), including the story of Whina Cooper (Te Rarawa). She worked for decades for Māori rights, especially for women. Made a Dame in 1981, she became a member of the Order of New Zealand in 1991. Today, International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women like Whina Cooper. As educators, we're excited for the June 2022 release of a biopic film "Whina". See trailer: ow.ly/WNLk50Icsb1
Today NZ celebrates Te Rā O Ngā Tamariki - Children's Day. Dame Whina Cooper, seen in Te Kōngahu museum in this iconic photo with granddaughter Irenee, reflected on our responsibilities to our tamariki.
"Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will the shape of Aotearoa."
How can educators take care as we explore our histories with students? Read our blog: ow.ly/k8wR50Ib4Hi
Photographer: Michael Tubberty
Our education team understands tamariki need to let off steam during learning and that they also need snack breaks! Our expansive upper grounds just seem to invite them to have a run or two around the flagstaff. After that, we can always find a big old shady tree to sit under, have a picnic and share stories of Waitangi. We work with you before visits to create an Education Experience to suit your group. Find out about visits: ow.ly/7hsE50I45Y5
The Documents Room in Te Kōngahu displays facsimiles of the 9 sheets making up our treaty. Digital interactives engage students to explore the fascinating tohu of around 540 rangatira Māori who signed at about 50 gatherings around NZ, until Sept 1840. We ask groups what they know about chiefs who signed or not from their area, and discover more about these rangatira. Read more on the treaty's travels: ow.ly/Qrh850I40S7
We warmly welcome Rehu Kara as Education Administrator, previously Guiding Supervisor at Waitangi, and guide for 7 years.
He uri ahau nō Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Apa, Ngā Rauru, Te Āti haunui-a-pāpārangi, Ngāti Kahungunu, me Kai Tahu.
I also descend from the local hapū of Ngāti Kawa ki Ngāti Rahiri Iti, am mana whenua from Pouerua ki Waitangi who also whakapapa to Maikuku and chiefs that signed the Treaty. What inspires me here is the fact that my people have been here since before the Treaty, during the signing of the Treaty and we are still here today.
Comment on Facebook We warmly welcome ...
Congratulations! I hope this important work brings you do brings you great satisfaction and joy.
So enjoyed our tour with you Rehu last January 🤗
Check out our latest newsletter to find out about our education team and programmes, and to see what's new and what's on!
mailchi.mp
Ngā mihi nui kia koutou As we share this newsletter, we hope you've been making the most of summer with whānau and friends! We understand the challenges 2022 has brought; as educators we're all ada...Games are a great time for fun and whanaungatanga during learning. This group is playing a traditional Māori hand game, Hei tama tū tama. All about mental dexterity, winning's important, but the way you win is the focus. Smiles, grimaces and teasing to put opponents off are all part of it! After visiting Te Rau Aroha, students experience the game after hearing how the 28 (Māori) Battalion soldiers played it as a warm-up. Read our blog on Māori games: ow.ly/fPTJ50I3WGg
I te wiki nei i taetae mai ngā tai tamariki o Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Pukemiro. E tūhuratia ana rātou i te Whare Tiriti, arā, i te whare o James Busby me tana whānau. I te tau 1835, i konei i waitohua 34 ngā rangatira ‘He Wakaputanga’. I konei hoki, te wāhi whakatakato te tuhinga tuatahi o Te Tiriti. Pai ake te tae ā-tinana mai, te kite ā-kanohi, i ngā taonga, i ngā wāhi hīkoi, kia rongo te tino wairua o te wāhi nei, a rātou mā. Ka mau te wehi tamariki mā!
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Pukemiro (Kaitaia) visited us this week for our Education Experience. Here they explore the Treaty House, home of James Busby and family. He Whakaputanga - the Declaration of Independence, was signed here by 34 chiefs in 1835. The Parlour Room is where the Treaty of Waitangi was drafted. Wandering through the house gives students a real feel for the events and people of that time. What an awesome bunch of friendly, respectful children!
On this date in 1840, the largest signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the country took place at Māngungu Mission, near Horeke in the Hokianga Harbour. After lengthy debate, about 70 rangatira (chiefs) signed the Waitangi Sheet before a gathering of several thousand Māori representing many different hapū (subtribes) within the Ngāpuhi iwi (tribe).
Image of Māngungu Mission after an 1838 sketch of Emma Hobbs, 10 year old daughter of missionary John Hobbs, who interpreted at the gathering (Archives NZ)
Comment on Facebook On this date in ...
Olivia Dudding
182 years ago today, the first signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi|The Treaty of Waitangi took place at Waitangi. Over 40 northern rangatira Māori signed, including 3 female chiefs. The treaty timeline shows how rushed the process was.
• 29 Jan 1840: Captain Hobson arrives in the Bay of Islands with instructions to get a treaty drawn up with the Māori chiefs
• Early Feb: Hobson and Busby write up a treaty between the British Crown and NZ hapū, in English
• 4 Feb: Henry and Edward Williams translate the treaty into te reo Māori but the 2 versions do not say the same thing
. • 5 Feb: Williams discusses Te Tiriti (the Māori version) with rangatira -some chiefs are for and some are against
• 6 Feb: Te Tiriti signed by Hobson and over 40 rangatira
We often talk with students about whether this rushed affair with little time for discussion, two conflicting versions of the treaty, and no consultation of hapū Māori around the rest of NZ would be acceptable today, and why it was considered acceptable in that very different time.
This image is of a painting titled “The Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi” by Ōriwa Haddon (Archives New Zealand).
Comment on Facebook 182 years ago today,...
The ultimate reneges there would be few tribes who would sign that if we knew what was really gonna happen 💯
182 years ago today, James Busby (Puhipi) invited local rangatira to come to Waitangi on 5 Feb, after William Hobson's arrival on 29 Jan 1840.
My dear friend, I make contact with you again. A war ship has arrived with a chief on board sent by the Queen of England to be a Governor for us both. Now he suggests that all the chiefs of the Confederation of New Zealand, on Wednesday of this holy week coming should gather to meet him. So I ask you my friend to come to this meeting here at Waitangi, at my home. You are a chief of that Confederation.
And so, to conclude.
From your dear friend,
Puhipi,
Rangatira Māori signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi|The Treaty of Waitangi in various ways; some chiefs wrote their names and others signed with a unique tohu (mark) often taken from their tā moko (facial tattoo) designs. Students get creative in our He Tohu activity; they design a tohu to represent themselves and sign a special sheet with a feather pen and ink. If you make a class treaty for the new year, why not sign it like this? Find our He Tohu activity: ow.ly/z4Ik50HE7kr
Planning ahead for PLD for your school? Join our Aotearoa New Zealand's histories Te Kōngahu Museum Tour designed by our educators for educators, to build on knowledge and understanding in order to implement the new histories curriculum. Waitangi's the perfect place to make part of your journey of discovery!
"Thank you for your expertise with taking us through the Waitangi museum, our staff thoroughly enjoyed the experience." (Jan 2022)
Find out more: ow.ly/80YY50HyyRa
Wanted! Chief John Heke! On this date in 1845, the British governor issued this poster after Hōne Heke had twice attacked the Kororāreka flagstaff. The Union flag had replaced the United Tribes flag; to Heke this denied Māori equal status with the government. In return, Heke is said to have offered 100 pounds for Fitzroy’s capture. Just 4 days later, the flagstaff was chopped down again; the final felling in March 1845 began the Northern War, led by Heke and Kawiti.
Comment on Facebook Wanted! Chief John ...
No mention of ‘Aotearoa’, but we see Nui Tereni.
Hone cut down his own flag pole on his own whenua.
Spelt incorrectly, and does not use the Queens Royal seal.
Historically, I'm sure there was never such a thing as a maori flag. Pouwhenua perhaps but never flags. Forgive me but Hone seems like a whinger.
Fitzroy was probably a NZ Company agent posing as a governor general.
If you're thinking of taking your students on a journey of discovery through Aotearoa New Zealand's most significant historical area check out Bay of Islands Education Network. Let them make it easy for you - they organise it all! As well as a visit to Waitangi, they offer a variety of options from day trips to multi-day itineraries for school trips and camps, including activities, meals, transport and accommodation. Find out more: ow.ly/QVIL50Htmra
Comment on Facebook 449232886862367
I loved my tour of Waitangi. Would go again any day!💕
Don’t forget Rawene and Mitimiti.
On 11 January 1846, Ruapekapeka Pā was the site of the Northern War's infamous final battle. Legendary warrior Kawiti (Ngāti Hine) adapted pā design to withstand artillery firepower; one story tells how he was hunting tuna (eel) and took inspiration from how they hid in riverbank tunnels. Education groups can explore the story and people of Ruapekapeka in both our museums, and they often visit the site with its highly visible, well-preserved defences carved into the landscape. Read more in our blog: ow.ly/i3QF50HqxK0
On this date in 1834, William Colenso arrived in Paihia as the Church Mission printer. Before the treaty signing began on 6 Feb 1840, his concerns that many Māori were unaware of the treaty’s meaning were dismissed. He later published his memoirs of the events; a facsimile of his journal is seen in Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi. His most memorable printing work was the Māori text of Te Tiriti|The Treaty of Waitangi. Read his memoirs: ow.ly/AljH50HkGFO
The Waitangi education team wishes all teachers, students and whānau a very Merry Christmas and safe and happy holidays.
Thank you to all the groups who took part in our programmes in 2021. It has been a year of ups and downs, with some postponements due to travel restrictions, but we look forward to many more of you being able to visit in 2022. Te pai katoa!
Comment on Facebook The Waitangi ...
Hope you had ahappy Christmas too.
Beautiful pohutukawa NZ's Christmas tree
A pūtātara (conch-shell trumpet) like this one seen in Te Kōngahu Museum, was used in the first known conversation between Māori and Europeans. On this date in 1642, two waka of Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri people approached two strange ships anchored off the north-western tip of the South Island. The ships were commanded by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman and this first encounter did not go well. Read more in our blog: ow.ly/emNi50HeGQw
Comment on Facebook A pūtātara ...
Thank you for your very interesting informative blog Imogen.
Absolutely fascinating blog, Imogen Rider. Thank you
Legendary Polynesian navigator Kupe is the tekoteko (carved figure) adorning the gable of Te Whare Rūnanga. He holds a hoe (paddle) signifying exploration and leadership and seems to keep a watchful eye over visitors entering the carved meeting house. While nothing beats experiencing the magnificent whakairo (carvings) up close, you can explore them virtually in this 3D model of Te Whare Rūnanga: ow.ly/OENN50HaZ0q
Comment on Facebook Legendary Polynesian...
Luana Ngatai
Already know they history to my Ngapuhi connections to Matua , Rangatira Kupe cuzzies so I dont know why I have not got a job offer lol cuzzies .
Digital technology enhances student engagement as they explore the stories and taonga in our museums. We design digital missions to support their learning focus; as students take photos, answer questions and share their ideas, this feeds directly back to the educator's device - an effective way to give feedback and promote discussion. Here, students look for two inaccuracies on Captain James Cook's 1770 map of New Zealand. Can you spot them?
Our team receives some very special thank you cards and letters from students after they visit Waitangi. We often include games in our education programmes and this joyful little drawing was sent to us after a visit from a pre-school group, who obviously had fun playing at the Treaty Grounds. Even the flowers look blooming happy!
Waitangi's resident kapa haka (Māori performing arts) group Te Pitowhenua, is always a highlight for visitors. Students from pre-school to secondary and teachers alike are in awe of their passionate and powerful performance showcasing aspects of Māori culture. Experiencing it inside the impressive carved meeting house, Te Whare Rūnanga, surrounded by carvings representing various iwi (tribes) makes it feel truly special and authentic.
Comment on Facebook Waitangi's resident ...
Te Pitowhenua are amazing!!
We may not have had as many school visits as usual this term, but our team's always busy with new ideas and projects! Here our talented educator Lynne works her magic, recycling materials to create a unique and colourful korowai (Māori cloak) for students to wear during re-enactments. Using props and costumes brings history to life, enriching the experience in a very personal and memorable way.
Groups with a focus on first arrivals to Aotearoa New Zealand sometimes experience hands-on waka drills. They imagine the sheer boldness of sailing from East Polynesia across the vast Pacific Ocean to settle a new land. Students can explore a wealth of information on traditional navigation methods, like Te Kapehu Whetū-the Māori star compass. The carved face seen on Ngātokimatawhaorua's bow represents Ngāpuhi ancestor Nukutawhiti, captain of the waka.
Comment on Facebook Groups with a focus ...
Keep that in mind first arrivals! Not indigenous! 😈
Re-enacting historical events like the signing of Te Tiriti|The Treaty expands students' knowledge and understanding of people and events of the period. To re-enact events in the place they happened is even better! Our He Tohu activity combines drama, art, and use of symbols; students design a unique tohu (mark or sign) and sign a special sheet. What tohu would you create to represent yourself?
See our He Tohu activity: ow.ly/6p7K50GP5s6
Whangārei Girls' High School took part in our Education Experience, with eleven Year 10 classes visiting over 2 terms. Groups explored Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha, completing digital GooseChase missions in both museums. Teacher feedback was that "students were engaged and interested, lots of deep thinking, questioning and discussion - supported our learning outcomes in an authentic way." Hoki mai anō!
The trunk cut from this kauri stump provided the planks for the carved prow and sternpost of Ngātokimatawhaorua, the world’s largest ceremonial waka taua (war canoe), launched in 1940 and looked after at Waitangi. Here Year 4-6 students from Hurupaki School (Whangārei) imagine the sheer size of the approximately 800-year-old tree, and the huge task the waka makers faced felling it and working the timber with just hand tools and muscle power.
Comment on Facebook The trunk cut from ...
Such a crime cutting down such magnificent old beings .
Shannon Tahu
A mini officer inspects a flag parade as Year 10 students from Tauraroa Area School (Whangārei) hold the 3 official flags in use at different times of our history. The United Tribes flag, New Zealand flag, and Union flag always fly on the Waitangi flagstaff. Teachers shared that bringing students to Waitangi “added a layer of reality to a subject that can seem to have happened well outside their experience."
Comment on Facebook A mini officer ...
I am really looking forward to being able to come to Waitangi and learn more about the history of Aotearoa.
Far north young ones a splendid superb awesome young ones of our far north comunity whanau kids .
🇳🇿 ❤️
United Confederation of Chiefs is its proper name. And because of the missed spelling of it what are they truly learning? Colonisation?
This really funny claiming owner ship of Aotearoa with 3 flags that belong to the crown jusss Te whanau He Tangata He Tangata
Gee and I thought there was another flag.
Welcome back to Term 4! We look forward to hosting education groups able to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds this term. Experiencing Waitangi the place brings history to life as students imagine the people and events of the past.
Here students soak up history on the very site te Tiriti o Waitangi|the
Treaty of Waitangi was first signed on February 6, 1840. What would that day have been like for all the different people here?
Comment on Facebook Welcome back to Term...
They should all read Michael Kings book, alot of forgotten true in the book
I just hope the full and true story is told here.
Do a bit more than that get into our school Gov department crown server
Did you know Aotearoa New Zealand has the world record for the longest placename? It belongs to a hill near Pōrangahau in Hawke’s Bay. Locals simply call it Taumata Hill! Our Māori placenames create a striking snapshot of history, telling tales of travel and discovery, romance and war.
Explore placenames and find teaching resources: ow.ly/BUqu50GsFHH
Comment on Facebook Did you know ...
That is the sign that was on the Mangaorapa Road just past the Te Tohe Road turn off, probably on the road boundary with Hopes property - now Lochores. This pakeha New Zealander can say the name too.
I know that word very well and can say it fluently. Learned it from the Kiwi folk song legend - Peter Cape. Google him.
There's a Welsh station name
I learned that before I came to NZ (1959) from the "Eagle" comic...... Many Welsh folk think that they have the longest place name, but that's not so.
Yup it's a shame pakeha NZ dont understand how important that is to maori
Sorry I was being facetious...😏thats a helluva mouth full 🤪😁😋
And her name was........
The cheerful ‘cheet cheet’ call and energetic flying antics of pīwakawaka|fantail are a friendly 'welcome to Waitangi'. Māori look on them as a model for agility to handle traditional weapons like taiaha. A highlight for education groups is our cultural show, with a wero (challenge) from a warrior during a pōwhiri (formal welcome). Wielding his taiaha, he displays impressive footwork, darting from side to side as pīwakawaka flit about overhead.
Holiday fun fantail jigsaw: jigex.com/eSKS4
Comment on Facebook The cheerful ...
Bad luck if they fly inside. They predict a death. Beautiful oyside but im out of there if they fly inside 🤔😏☹
One of.many bird that are so lovely when I go to longbay beach there is so many of them there.dont see so many in tokaroa but lots of other bird here to enjoy. 😊
David Fuller
WOW
Beautiful
Love them
We get them in our fern garden often, cheeky and beautiful.
We were always told if they came inside someone had died
Colette Marie Robertson
Little show off!!!
So beautiful
Love the fantails I have a pair that come round every year
Absolutely gorgeous wee soul
Around the time when Dad passed away 2 came in house and flitted about awhile.
So love these little ones 😉🌹
❤️❤️❤️❤️ love these birds.
Awesome
School groups at Waitangi look across to Russell, NZ’s first permanent European settlement and a busy seaport. The original Māori name was Kororāreka, 'sweet penguin'- Kororā (Little Blue Penguin), reka (sweet). It became known as the “hell-hole of the South Pacific” due to its seedy reputation as whalers and sealers arrived for supplies, rest and rowdy recreation. It was renamed after Lord John Russell, Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Try our online kororā jigsaw: ow.ly/nV5c50GoaWZ
Comment on Facebook School groups at ...
Change the name, delete the name Russell, what's the correct Maori name,?
Allie Fry
I love penguins
I'd have thought they would be salty?
Masks please
Beautiful photos I love penguins
At our waka, you'll learn how the kūaka (godwit) helped Polynesian explorer Kupe find Aotearoa. He studied their migration patterns, deducing there was land to the south. By day voyagers sailed in the flight's direction, guided at night by the kūaka's noisy cries above the waka. Flying kūaka are known as waka kūaka. You may even see them at Waitangi in spring, perhaps asleep. Who wouldn't be after flying 11,500 km non-stop Alaska to NZ!
Try our online kūaka jigsaw: ow.ly/zlpp50GlLx8
Comment on Facebook At our waka, you'll ...
Read about godwit in the book called Maori lore
Beautiful picture
Those Godwits are amazing.
Very interesting. Stunning photo aswell
Awesome pic
Kia hora te marino, kia whakapapa pounamu te moana, kia tere te kārohirohi i mua i tō huarahi.
May peace be widespread, may the ocean glisten as greenstone, and may the shimmer of light guide you on your way.
Happy holidays from the Waitangi education team! Try our online jigsaw puzzle of the mighty Ngātokimatawhaorua: ow.ly/IlRa50GjQNs Keep an eye out for new puzzles!
Comment on Facebook Kia hora te marino, ...
Flipping beautiful out on our north coast world wide view nga puhi nui tonu mauri ora Moses !
Beautiful photo
These school holidays, join our digital scavenger hunt when you bring your whānau along to explore Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi. Take photos and answer questions as you go. It's super-easy to download the GooseChase app and the game is loads of fun! And we promise that it won't be a wild goose chase - tamariki earn points as they complete missions and learn about our stories and taonga.
October 2nd - 15th www.waitangi.org.nz/whats-on/events/
This week in 1893, women in New Zealand won the right to vote, a world first. In July, the "monster petition", 13 sheets around a broom handle, had been unrolled with great drama down Parliament's central aisle, hitting the end wall with a thud. The Women's Suffrage Petition is at the He Tohu exhibition, along with He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi -The Treaty of Waitangi.
Read about Taitokerau suffragist Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia: www.waitangi.org.nz/maori-women-and-the-1893-suffrage-petition/
Comment on Facebook This week in 1893, ...
I didnot know New Zealand women were tge first in tge world to get to vote What an extraordinary effort that petition was, and the fact that Maori and white women worked together for it. Well done Kiwi women !
Oturu School have been learning about protecting our waterways. They created a Virtual World using Tiltbrush to show their learning. Careful Tae - don't fall in!
Anyone for cricket? Far North schools recently visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for the launch of a new education programme linked to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022. Top players from the White Ferns got alongside students as they learnt skills on the nation's most iconic stretch of lawn.
The Cric-Kids resource is available in te reo Māori and English, with a focus on hauora and wellbeing.
Read more and find out how to access this resource for Term 4: ow.ly/ruRS50GcGEI
Students from Hikurangi School develop a Virtual World to showcase their learning.
To support NZ Schools with distance learning, we have the Virtual Experience available while there are travel restrictions in place or for those who can't visit Waitangi. These 45-minute interactive sessions are designed for Years 6-13 and link closely with the Social Studies curriculum.
Choose from 3 topics: Early Contact | Te Tiriti o Waitangi and The Treaty of Waitangi | New Zealand Wars.
Available from the 13th September via Zoom, subject to availability.
For more information: www.waitangi.org.nz/learn/visit/virtual-visit/
To book contact Brigitte on education@waitangi.org.nz
Master carver Anamarie adds the finishing touches to her pou in Peria School's virtual world. Her virtual pou was created in SculptGL and she designed her tools in Tinkercad. Peria School students created an amazing virtual world designed to share their learning about their own personal history.
Jerome observes a (virtual!) pukeko in Maromaku School's VR world. The students have learnt how to show their learning by creating content using a variety of digital tools.
Maromaku School have been learning about the natural world. In this photo Arabella installs a birdhouse that she created using Paint3D into the shared VR world created in Tiltbrush.
Our team of digital educators are in their fourth year of delivering the Raranga Matihiko programme here at Waitangi. The programme has been shortlisted to the HundrED Global Education Innovations for 2021.
Tino pai tō koutou mahi! hundred.org/en/innovations/raranga-matihiko-weaving-digital-futures#1b5c9bf5
Raranga Matihiko | Weaving Digital Futures
hundred.org
Through a museum-based partnership, Raranga Matihiko delivers innovative digital technologies to those with limited digital learning opportunities, while increasing access to national and local exhibi...Students from Auckland Seventh-Day Adventist High School thanked our Kapa Haka rōpū Te Pitowhenua with a beautiful rendition of He Honore.
Kaikohe West School Year 5 -6 classes recently took part in our digital learning programme.
Their topic was space and stars, and inspired by Waitangi’s stories of early navigators to Aotearoa, students told their own stories through digital technologies.
They created rockets, other 3D objects and 2D artwork, with all cosmic creations put together to form a virtual galactic world.
Read more here: ow.ly/M9Ho50Fx9qY
Our education team welcomed over 500 tamariki, along with kaiako and whānau, to celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year. Each day schools enjoyed interactive storytelling, traditional games and kite flying. We invite local schools to take part annually – it’s all about having fun together as we learn about this special time of year, officially a public holiday from 2022.
Read more here: www.waitangi.org.nz/matarikiatwaitangi/
Pakaraka School students recently enjoyed a busy morning of hands-on learning with our team. A signing activity with a feather quill pen had a special connection to their school’s area; Hōne Wiremu Heke Pōkai (Hōne Heke), the first rangatira to sign Te Tiriti/The Treaty, was born in Pakaraka, Bay of Islands around 1807. Students designed their own tohu (mark or sign) and signed a paper sheet, imagining what it was like for Hōne Heke on 6 February 1840 as he made his mark on history. Read more here: ow.ly/E47050FbfyG
Waitangi’s unique artefacts give tangible form to the intangible past. As students explore historical taonga, they connect with the time, places, events, and people of our history. Exposure to artefacts brings them closer to the past in a way that words alone often cannot do, bringing to life the stories about how our nation, communities and cultures came to be. Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi and Te Rau Aroha offer a special place to view taonga.
www.waitangi.org.nz/museum-based-learning/
Waitangi Treaty Grounds has won a Ministry of Education contract to develop Classroom Support Materials to aid schools with the delivery of the new Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories curriculum that will be rolled out from February 2022.
The Education Project Team at Waitangi is developing a suite of Inquiry Units for years 1 to 10, covering the full breadth of the curriculum. Drawing on their expertise in the education and culture and heritage sectors, the content developers aim to provide resources that can be used by teachers across the country.
Comment on Facebook Waitangi Treaty ...
Congrats - good news
Matariki will rise shortly signalling the Māori New Year. If you are looking for ways to support your classroom learning about Matariki, check out our Matariki Resource here: ow.ly/opAd50F7VBr
Tūrangawaewae – a Māori concept meaning ‘a place to stand’, to belong, our foundation and place in the world. Kamo Intermediate School’s learning focus for recent visits was to inquire into Waitangi as a significant tūrangawaewae. A visit to Te Rau Aroha, with its focus on the A Company of the 28 (Māori) Battalion, was very important for the students. Kamo principals and teachers had spent time with our ed team at Waitangi to get a feel of our education experience before planning visits for 700 students over several weeks. Read more here: ow.ly/H1nB50EQVc6
Education groups with a focus on waka and navigation have been appreciating our multi-sensory He Kaupapa Waka exhibition. The powerful images of the fleet of waka, kaihoe (paddlers) and spectators, were captured by photographer Te Rawhitiroa Bosch at Waitangi Day 2020. Some of our visiting students feature in photos; there is also the story of a local school’s special connection with our Prime Minister. www.waitangi.org.nz/upholding-mana-of-waka/
Students are encouraged to reflect on the past when they visit Waitangi but also consider their own role and responsibility in shaping our shared future as citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand. Ōpononi Area School has a special connection to Waitangi's stories. Read more here: www.waitangi.org.nz/opononi-area-school/
When Harko is not busy running workshops around the motu, you might find him at Waitangi working with school groups. Harko said he really enjoys working here at Waitangi.
Comment on Facebook When Harko is not ...
Kia ora Harko
Go the 'A' Team!
Brigitte is the friendly voice at the end of the phone when you ring the education office to book in your visit to Waitangi.
Karen is the newest member of our team and can not wait to start working with the Raranga Matihiko schools. She is an experienced teacher who loves to use digital technology in her teaching practice. Karen enjoys working in beautiful Waitangi.
Comment on Facebook Karen is the newest ...
Kia ora Karen
Ex Whangarei intermediate teacher
She’s cool
Imogen runs onsite visits with schools, and if your kura can't make the trip to the Treaty Grounds, you will meet her during your Virtual Experience. Imogen enjoys the variety of groups that visit Waitangi and designing personalised programmes to meet their learning needs. She also writes the Education blog: www.waitangi.org.nz/learn/education-blog/
Imogen is pictured with students from Pakaraka School who took part in our Education Experience.
Comment on Facebook Imogen runs onsite ...
Wonderful work Im xx
So proud of you Imy
April C Peri Look who i found 😆
Yr awesome Imogen Rider 🥰
Elizabeth Rider here it is .. x
If your class is bilingual or from a Kura Kaupapa Māori, Cherie will be your kaiwhakaako. Ngati Rehia – Ngāpuhi.
Comment on Facebook If your class is ...
Looking very serious their Whaea Cherie! Whaea Cherie is always a friendly face when we see her with tamakiri exploring the treaty grounds 😃😃😃
Monika is the Education Manager here at Waitangi. During her four years here she has worked across all of the education offerings from Raranga Matihiko, Virtual Experiences, LEOTC, all the way to teacher PLD. Monika is really excited about the new history curriculum content and is looking forward to helping schools implement this into their school curriculum.
Join the #RarangaMatihiko team at Waitangi for the year as Educator Mātauranga Māori. Bring your prior experiences & knowledge and learn new skills in an innovative and supportive context at one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand.
www.waitangi.org.nz/about/work-here/
The new Aotearoa New Zealand Histories component will be part of the curriculum from next year. A visit to Waitangi allows you and your students to engage with history close and personal – and enjoy a break with a view. Students from Whangarei Boys’ High school play a game of cricket on the Upper Treaty Grounds during their lunch break. Check out the blog post about their visit: ow.ly/uQdp50DC9Fm.
Whangarei Boys' High School visit - Waitangi
ow.ly
Whangarei Boys’ High School Year 10 students recently took part in our Education Experience over a week of visits. They made the most of exploring both our museums to research their topic. In betwee...