25 January 2008
MEDIA RELEASE
2008 Treaty Debates - 31 January & 7 February, Soundings Theatre, Te Papa
2008 sees the return of the much-anticipated series of debates exploring the Treaty of Waitangi – its place in New
Zealand history and its meaning today.
This year’s theme is ‘Finding Common Ground’ and will be chaired by Dr Claudia Orange of Te Papa and Claudia Geiringer
of Victoria University’s Centre for Public Law. The speakers focus on their own experiences to highlight key aspects of
the theme, bringing a unique and engaging perspective to Treaty issues.
Speaking on Thursday 31 January at 6.30pm are Dr Matthew Palmer, former Dean of Law at Victoria University, and
Professor Mason Durie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori) and Professor of Māori Research and Development at Massey
University.
Dr Charles Royal, composer and researcher in the creative use of indigenous knowledge, and Joris de Bres, New Zealand’s
Race Relations Commissioner will speak on Thursday 7 February at 6.30pm.
The Treaty Debates are to be recorded by Radio New Zealand National so no latecomers will be admitted. Radio New Zealand
National will broadcast the debates on Sunday 3 and Sunday 10 February at 4.06pm. They will repeat the broadcasts on the
following Tuesdays at 9.06pm.
The treaty debates are organised by Te Papa in partnership with the NZ Centre for Public Law at Victoria University of
Wellington.
ENDS