A new state-of-the-art museum in Waitangi has been named following a blessing conducted by northern Maori this morning.
The Museum of Waitangi, set to be officially opened to the public on Sunday, was formally given the name Te Kongahu, a Ngapuhi word referring to the unborn child and a metaphor relating to the new nation which spawned after the signing of the treaty 176 years ago tomorrow.
According to Waitangi National Trust chief executive Greg McManus, hundreds of people gathered this morning for the event, which incorporated traditional rituals led by leaders of Ngapuhi and church officials of various denominations.
The Museum of Waitangi is part of a $14 million project at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
It will host a number of temporary exhibits along with the inaugural permanent fixture -- Ko Waitangi Tenei: This is Waitangi -- which will bring to life stories of Waitangi and its people dating from 1840 until today.
Also included will be rare photos of protests throughout the decades.
Historian Dame Claudia Orange says the museum is a great way to discuss both personal and political tales that helped shape New Zealand as it is known today.
It is hoped when the museum is opened to the public that it will play its part as a draw card for tourists wanting to see the birthplace of New Zealand.
Newshub.
