|
Wellington has a large number of museums and display spaces that exhibit the cultural heritage and artistic tradition of the land. These museums tell people of the history of the land, how the country was shaped, of the Maori people, and their relationship with the Crown, and display the rich legacy of the land. Of the numerous museums spread out all over Wellington, one extremely popular museum is the National Archives, Wellington. Proclaiming to be the official guardian of New Zealand's heritage documents, the National Archives, Wellington gathers, stores and protects a lot of material such as government files and records, maps, paintings, photos and film. The most important of its possessions is the originals of the Treaty of Waitangi. It also records the history and documents the relationship between the aboriginal Maori people of this land, and the Crown. The two main roles of the National Archives, Wellington are – to ensure that the governments' activities are recorded and kept permanently; and
to provide access to these records. The National Archives, Wellington has three exhibition areas, and are located at the Head Office of Archives New Zealand, at 10 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon, Wellington. There is the Constitution Room, permanently displays some of New Zealand's most significant historical records, such as the Treaty of Waitangi, the 1835 Declaration of Independence of the Northern Chiefs and the 1893 Women's Suffrage Petition. There are also a number of temporary exhibitions held in the foyer gallery and the main gallery on a variety of historical and cultural themes. The National Archives, Wellington is free, and anyone can enter it and view the things on display. The museum remains open to the public at the following times # Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 1pm. however, on Saturdays, one can only see the temporary exhibits. Being the sole authority that preserves the heritage of New Zealand in an official manner, the National Archives, Wellington is a must-visit site for any one wishing to know more about the city of Wellington.
|
