He Tohu: A declaration, a treaty, a petition.
1835 He Whakaputanga | Declaration of Independence
1840 Te Tiriti o Waitangi | Treaty of Waitangi
1893 Petihana Whakamana Pōti Wāhine | Women’s Suffrage Petition
The National Library of New Zealand has been the home to New Zealand’s foundational documents in the He Tohu exhibition since 2017. Prior to this, these taonga were kept at Archives New Zealand who are still the kaipūpuri (caretakers) of the documents.
Every year thousands of visitors come to see the original documents and learn about their history. It is our vision to make the documents accessible to New Zealanders and international visitors and providing all visitors with an awe inspiring and educational experience when they encounter the Document Room. Our aspiration is encapsulated in the whakataukī (Māori proverb):
He whakapapa kōrero, he whenua kura | Talking about our past, we create a better future.
These three documents, signed by those who came before us, are about how we live together, govern ourselves and manage power in Aotearoa New Zealand. They have shaped who we are now. They will shape what we become. At the centre of the exhibition is the message that by acting together, individuals can make a change.
