View source for Te Papa

{{Short description|National museum of New Zealand}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2024}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox museum
| name            = Museum of New Zealand {{nowrap|Te Papa Tongarewa}}
| native_name     = 
| logo            = [[File:The_Logo_of_Museum_of_New_Zealand_Te_Papa_Tongarewa.png|120px]]
| image           = Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa unsaturated.jpg
| caption         = Front side with entrance in 2009
| mapframe        = yes
| mapframe-caption = Interactive fullscreen map
| mapframe-zoom   = 14
| mapframe-marker = museum
| mapframe-wikidata = yes
| coordinates     = {{WikidataCoord|display=it}}
| former_name     = Dominion Museum and National Art Gallery
| established     = 1992
| location        = [[Wellington]], New Zealand
| visitors        = 1.5 million (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mch.govt.nz/what-we-do/cultural-sector-overviews/history|title=Cultural sector overviews, history|publisher=Manatū Taonga|date=12 January 2018|access-date=23 March 2018|archive-date=24 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324041114/https://mch.govt.nz/what-we-do/cultural-sector-overviews/history|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| director        = [[Courtney Johnston]]
| leader_type     = Kaihautū
| leader          = Arapata Hakiwai<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/executive-team|title=Executive team – Te kei o te waka|date=10 February 2016 |publisher=Te Papa|access-date=2 March 2023}}</ref>
| website         = {{Official website|http://www.tepapa.govt.nz}}
}}

The '''Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa''' is [[New Zealand]]'s [[national museum]] and is located in [[Wellington]].  Usually known as '''Te Papa''' ([[Māori language|Māori]] for '[[Waka huia|the treasure box]]'), it opened in 1998 after the merging of the National Museum of New Zealand and the National Art Gallery.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/100270650/te-papa-founding-chief-executive-dame-cheryll-sotheran-dies-after-long-illness|title=Te Papa founding chief executive Dame Cheryll Sotheran dies after long illness|date=31 December 2017|website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=14 February 2018|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702141208/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/100270650/te-papa-founding-chief-executive-dame-cheryll-sotheran-dies-after-long-illness|url-status=live}}</ref> An average of more than 1.1 million people visit every year, making it the [[List of most-visited art museums|58th-most-visited art gallery]] in the world in 2023. Te Papa operates under a bicultural philosophy, and emphasises the living stories behind its cultural treasures.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Souvenir Guide|publisher=Te Papa Press|year=2017|isbn=9780994136220|location=Wellington, New Zealand|pages=6–7}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:James Hector 1900.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Sir James Hector]]
[[File:Colonial Museum Wellington 1934.jpg|thumb|Entrance to the Dominion Museum previously Colonial Museum in Museum Street, Thorndon]]
[[File:Massey University - former Dominion Museum.jpg|thumb|[[Dominion Museum building|Dominion Museum]]]]

=== Colonial Museum ===
The first predecessor to Te Papa was the Colonial Museum, founded in 1865, with [[James Hector|Sir James Hector]] as founding director. The museum was built on Museum Street, roughly in the location of the present day Defence House Office Building.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Object: Colonial Museum {{!}} Collections Online – Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa|url= http://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/127463|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150618154537/http://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/127463|archive-date=18 June 2015|access-date=18 June 2015|website=collections.tepapa.govt.nz}}</ref> The museum prioritised scientific collections but also acquired a range of other items, often by donation, including prints and paintings, ethnographic curiosities, and items of antiquity.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 February 2016|title=Our history|url=https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/what-we-do/our-history|access-date=8 January 2021|website=Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, NZ|language=en|archive-date=18 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218205708/https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/what-we-do/our-history|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1907, the Colonial Museum was renamed the Dominion Museum and took on a broader focus. The idea of developing a public art gallery in Wellington was gathering support, and the Science and Art Act of 1913 paved the way for a national art gallery in the same building.

=== Co-location with National Art Gallery ===
Following the passing of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Act in 1930, the two institutions shared a single board of trustees. In 1934, the National Art Gallery moved into the Dominion Museum building and incorporated the [[New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts]], which sold its land and donated the proceeds to the new organisation together with an initial collection.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gg.govt.nz/node/397 |title=National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum &#124; The Governor-General of New Zealand Te Kawana Tianara o Aotearoa |work=gg.govt.nz |year=1934 |quote=14 Apr 1934 |access-date=18 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522115330/http://www.gg.govt.nz/node/397 |archive-date=22 May 2010 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The early holding consisted largely of donations and bequests, including those from [[Harold Beauchamp]], [[T. Lindsay Buick]], Archdeacon Smythe, [[N. Chevalier]], [[J. C. Richmond]], [[William Swainson (lawyer)|William Swainson]], [[Bishop Monrad]], [[John Ilott]] and [[Rex Nan Kivell]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/art-galleries/2 |title=National Art Gallery Wellington – Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |year=2011 |access-date=18 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023094317/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/art-galleries/2 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In 1936, a new building to house both the collections opened in Buckle Street as a part of the newly built [[National War Memorial (New Zealand)|National War Memorial]]. In 1985 a temporary exhibition space venue was added to the National Art Gallery. [[Shed 11 the Temporary/Contemporary]] was situated on the Wellington waterfront in a converted industrial warehouse built in 1905<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 September 1985 |title=Reporter's diary |pages=2 |work=The Press (Christchurch)}}</ref> and exhibited contemporary art, both local and international, until 1992.

Eru D. Gore was secretary-manager from 1936 until his death in 1948 when [[Stewart Maclennan]] was appointed the first director. This was the first appointment in New Zealand of a full-time art gallery director. Other past directors of the gallery include:
*[[Stewart Maclennan]] (1948–68)
*[[Melvin Day]] (1968–78)
*[[Luit Bieringa]] (1979–89)
*[[Jenny Harper]] (1990–92)

=== Te Papa ===
Te Papa was established in 1992 by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Act 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1992/0019/latest/DLM260204.html |title=Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Act 1992 No 19 (as at 25 January 2005), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation |work=legislation.govt.nz |year=2011 |access-date=28 July 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120127044037/http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1992/0019/latest/DLM260204.html |archive-date=27 January 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Part of the remit for Te Papa was to explore the national identity of New Zealand.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Tramposch|first1=William J.|title=Te Papa: Reinventing the Museum|journal=[[Museum Management and Curatorship]]|date=January 1998|volume=17|issue=4|pages=339–350|doi=10.1080/09647779800201704}}</ref> {{Lang|Mi|Te Papa Tongarewa}} translates literally to 'container of treasures' or in full 'container of treasured things and people that spring from mother Earth here in New Zealand'.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 February 2016|title=Our history|url=https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/what-we-do/our-history|access-date=19 September 2021|website=Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, NZ|language=en|archive-date=18 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218205708/https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/what-we-do/our-history|url-status=live}}</ref> The official opening took place on 14 February 1998, in a ceremony led by [[Prime Minister of New Zealand|Prime Minister]] [[Jenny Shipley]], [[Peter Blake (sailor)|Sir Peter Blake]], and two children. Māori traditional instrumentalist [[Richard Nunns]] co-led the musicians at a dawn ceremony on opening day.<ref name="Arts Foundation bio">{{cite web|title=Biography|url= http://www.thearts.co.nz/artist_page.php&aid=57&type=bio|publisher=The Arts Foundation|access-date=24 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120320062134/http://www.thearts.co.nz/artist_page.php%26aid%3D57%26type%3Dbio|archive-date=20 March 2012}}</ref> The museum had one million visitors in the first five months of operation, and between 1 and 1.3 million visits have been made in each subsequent year. In 2004, more space was devoted to exhibiting works from the New Zealand art collection in a long-term exhibition called ''Toi Te Papa: Art of the Nation''.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Toi Te Papa – International and New Zealand Art from Te Papa's collection|url = http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/new-zealand-art-toitepapa/|website = www.tepapa.govt.nz|access-date = 18 June 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402105347/http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/new-zealand-art-toitepapa/|archive-date = 2 April 2015|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> Filmmakers [[Gaylene Preston]] and Anna Cottrell documented the development of Te Papa in their film ''[[Getting to Our Place]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Getting to Our Place|url = http://www.gaylenepreston.com/docs_getting.html|date = 17 July 2011|access-date = 18 June 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110717125420/http://www.gaylenepreston.com/docs_getting.html|archive-date=17 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Current building ===
[[File:Flickr - brewbooks - i 110505 048.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|South-western view]]
The main Te Papa building is built on reclaimed land on Cable Street which formerly belonged to the [[Wellington Harbour Board]]. The site was previously occupied by a modern five-storey hotel.  Over a five-month period in 1993, the hotel was jacked off its foundations onto numerous rail [[bogies]] and transported {{convert|200|m}} down and across the road to a new site, where it is now the [[Museum Hotel de Wheels|Museum Hotel]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Matt |date=24 November 2015 |title=Museum Hotel rides the rails – 150 Years of News |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/74342852/museum-hotel-rides-the-rails---150-years-of-news |access-date=3 October 2022 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Matt |date=24 November 2015 |title=Museum Hotel rides the rails - 150 Years of News |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/74342852/museum-hotel-rides-the-rails---150-years-of-news |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] }}</ref> Once the site was clear, the soft reclaimed land was compacted to a depth of 16 metres by dropping weights of up to 30 tonnes from a height of up to 30 metres in a criss-cross pattern on the site. Over 50,000 weights were dropped, causing noise and vibration problems for those in surrounding buildings.<ref>{{cite news | last1= Shaw |first1= Bob |date= 24 February 1998 |title= Computer aided quake-proofing | work= Evening Post |id={{ProQuest|314522765}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last1=Zatorski |first1=Linda |date= 27 May 1998 |title= First signs of stadium taking shape |work=Evening Post | id={{ProQuest|314581649}}}}</ref>

Te Papa was designed by Jasmax Architects<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jasmax.com/work/te-papa-tongarewa/sectors/cultural-and-civic/1152|title=Jasmax|access-date=8 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209044142/https://www.jasmax.com/work/te-papa-tongarewa/sectors/cultural-and-civic/1152|archive-date=9 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and built by [[Fletcher Construction]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fletcherconstruction.co.nz/building.php|title=Building|publisher=Fletcher Construction|access-date=28 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525035428/http://www.fletcherconstruction.co.nz/building.php|archive-date=25 May 2010}}</ref> The {{convert|36,000|m2|adj=on}} building had cost [[NZ$]]300&nbsp;million by its opening in 1998. Earthquake strengthening of the Cable Street building was achieved through the New Zealand-developed technology of [[base isolation]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.holmesgroup.com/assets/Uploads/pdfs/2001HCGBaseIsolationDesignGuidelines.pdf |title=Base Isolation |access-date=10 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319185155/http://www.holmesgroup.com/assets/Uploads/pdfs/2001HCGBaseIsolationDesignGuidelines.pdf |archive-date=19 March 2013 }}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite journal |last=Cheshire |first=Pip |date=February 1998 |title=Robust framework |journal=Architecture New Zealand |volume=Special edition |pages=89–90}}</ref> The building contains six floors of exhibitions, cafés and gift shops dedicated to [[Culture of New Zealand|New Zealand's culture]], history and environment. When it opened in 1998, the museum had a fine-dining restaurant called Icon, but this later closed.<ref>{{cite news | last1= Barton | first1= Warren |date= 13 February 1998 |title= Culinary expertise goes on display |work= Dominion |id={{ProQuest|314965670}}}}</ref> The museum also incorporates outdoor areas with artificial caves, native bushes and wetlands. A second building on Tory Street is a scientific research facility and storage area, and is not open to the public.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our other buildings |url=https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/our-buildings/our-other-buildings |website=Te Papa |access-date=5 June 2024}}</ref>

The design process of the building followed bicultural principles based on the [[Treaty of Waitangi]]. This process was led by [[Cliff Whiting]] working alongside [[Cheryll Sotheran]] and [[Ken Gorbey]].<ref name=":12">{{Cite journal |last=French |first=Anne |date=February 1998 |title=Setting standards |journal=Architecture New Zealand |volume=Special edition |pages=69–72}}</ref>

== Governance and leadership ==
The museum is run by a board appointed by the [[Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage]]. Board members have included: [[Wira Gardiner]], Fiona Campbell, [[Sue Piper]], [[Judith Tizard]], John Judge, Miria Pomare, [[Michael Bassett]], Christopher Parkin, [[Sandra Lee-Vercoe|Sandra Lee]], [[Ngātata Love]], [[Ron Trotter]], Glenys Coughlan, [[Judith Binney]], [[Philip Carter]], Wendy Lai<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1011/S00061/new-te-papa-chair-and-board-member-appointed.htm |title=New Te Papa chair and board member appointed |work=scoop.co.nz |year=2010 |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202192916/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1011/S00061/new-te-papa-chair-and-board-member-appointed.htm |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=live  }}{{ubl|{{cite web |url= http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00414.htm |title=Appointment to the Board of Te Papa Tongarewa |work=scoop.co.nz |year=2008 |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202181104/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00414.htm |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=live  }}|{{cite web |url= http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0907/S00336.htm |title=New appointments to Te Papa board announced |work=scoop.co.nz |year=2009 |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202232958/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0907/S00336.htm |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=live  }}|{{cite web |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0708/S00002.htm |title=Lee and Love appointed to Te Papa Board |work=scoop.co.nz |year=2007 |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202103646/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0708/S00002.htm |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=live  }}|{{cite web |url= http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9909/S00047.htm |title=Appointments to Te Papa Tongarewa Board |work=scoop.co.nz |year=2006 |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140203023606/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9909/S00047.htm |archive-date=3 February 2014 |url-status=live  }}|{{cite web |url= http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1008/S00130/new-appointments-to-te-papa-board.htm |title=New appointments to Te Papa Board |work=scoop.co.nz |year=2010 |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100806150241/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1008/S00130/new-appointments-to-te-papa-board.htm |archive-date=6 August 2010 |url-status=live  }}}}</ref> and [[Apirana Mahuika|Api Mahuika]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=French |first=Anne |date=February 1998 |title=Setting standards |journal=Architecture New Zealand |volume=Special edition |pages=72}}</ref>

Directors of the museum include:
* [[James Hector]] (1865–1903)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1h15/hector-james|title=Hector, James – Dictionary of New Zealand Biography – Te Ara|access-date=25 January 2024|archive-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328015221/https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1h15/hector-james|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Augustus Hamilton]] (1903–1913)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2h8/hamilton-augustus|title=Hamilton, Augustus – Dictionary of New Zealand Biography – Te Ara}}</ref>
* [[Allan Thomson (geologist)|James Allan Thomson]] (1914–1928)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3t33/thomson-james-allan|title=Thomson, James Allan – Dictionary of New Zealand Biography – Te Ara}}</ref>
* [[Walter Oliver]] (1928–1947)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/4o5/oliver-walter-reginald-brook|title=Oliver, Walter Reginald Brook – Dictionary of New Zealand Biography – Te Ara}}</ref>
* [[Robert Falla]] (1947–1966)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/4f4/falla-robert-alexander|title=Falla, Robert Alexander – Dictionary of New Zealand Biography – Te Ara}}</ref>
* [[John Yaldwyn]] (1980–1989)<ref name="Te Ara obituary">{{Cite journal |last=Bartle |first=Sandy |date=May 2006 |title=John C. Yaldwyn 1929–2005 |url=https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/media/uploads/2017_11/Te_Ara_May_2006.pdf |journal=Te Ara Journal |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=54}}</ref>

CEOs of Te Papa include:

* [[Cheryll Sotheran]] (1992–2002)
* [[Cliff Whiting]] (1995–1999) – joint CEO or Kaihautū<ref name=":1" /> 
* [[Seddon Bennington]] (2003 – July 2009)
* Michael Houlihan (Aug 2010 – May 2014)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/63619718/|title=Te Papa lifts lid on ex-CEO|last=Burgess|first=Doug|date=27 November 2014|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=9 September 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718125445/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/63619718/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Rick Ellis (New Zealander)|Rick Ellis]] (Nov 2014 – May 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/press-and-media/press-releases/2014-news-and-media-releases/te-papa-appoints-new-chief|title=Te Papa appoints new Chief Executive|date=10 November 2014|website=Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa|access-date=9 September 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718125447/https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/press-and-media/press-releases/2014-news-and-media-releases/te-papa-appoints-new-chief|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/arts/116227325/who-should-te-papa-choose-to-lead-the-national-museum|title=Who should Te Papa choose to lead the national museum?|last=Macdonald|first=Nikki|date=19 October 2019|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718125447/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/arts/116227325/who-should-te-papa-choose-to-lead-the-national-museum|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Geraint Martin]] (May 2017 – 2019)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12266082|title=Te Papa chief executive Geraint Martin quits after controversial restructure|date=9 September 2019|work=[[New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=9 September 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718125450/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/te-papa-chief-executive-geraint-martin-quits-after-controversial-restructure/ROIIS65LEFTWHI6RFZGF4UFVNM/?c_id=1&objectid=12266082|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
* [[Courtney Johnston]] (2019–present)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/press-and-media/press-releases/2019-media-releases/new-chief-executive-courtney-johnston-will |title=New Chief Executive Courtney Johnston will lead Te Papa into a new era |date=13 December 2019 |publisher=Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa |access-date=14 December 2019 |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718125448/https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/press-and-media/press-releases/2019-media-releases/new-chief-executive-courtney-johnston-will |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Arapata Hakiwai]] (Kaihautū, Māori co-leader) (2014–present).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.victoria.ac.nz/news/2013/victoria-phd-student-appointed-as-te-papas-kaihautu |title=Victoria PhD student appointed as Te Papa's Kaihautū &#124; Victoria University of Wellington |publisher=Victoria.ac.nz |date=9 October 2013 |accessdate=17 July 2014 |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718125457/https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/news/2013/victoria-phd-student-appointed-as-te-papas-kaihautu |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TP exec team">{{cite web|url=http://tepapa.govt.nz/AboutUs/Boardstructure/Pages/SMT.aspx |title=Executive team – Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, NZ |publisher=Tepapa.govt.nz |date= |accessdate=17 July 2014}}</ref>

==Collections==
[[File:MA I834217 TePapa M336711-Falsimargarita full.jpg|thumb|''Falsimargarita callista'' specimen, the 1 millionth object placed on the Te Papa Collections Online website]]
The History Collection includes many dresses and textiles, the oldest of which date back to the sixteenth century. The History Collection also includes the New Zealand Post Archive with around 20,000&nbsp;stamps and related objects, and the Pacific Collection with about 13,000&nbsp;historic and contemporary items from the [[Pacific Islands]].

The history of Te Papa’s foreign ethnology collections (excluding those from the Pacific) mirrors, in broad terms, the developmental patterns seen in New Zealand’s other major metropolitan museums—Otago Museum, Canterbury Museum, and Auckland Museum. However, each institution has followed a distinct historical trajectory. Due to its early policies and collecting practices, Te Papa holds smaller and more fragmented foreign ethnology collections than the other three. Unlike them, Te Papa acquired most of its material through passive means rather than proactive collection efforts.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Livingstone |first=Rosanne |date=1998-06-30 |title=The History and Development of Foreign Ethnology Collections in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa |url=https://tuhinga.arphahub.com/article/34127/ |journal=Tuhinga |language=en |volume=10 |pages=1–29 |doi=10.3897/tuhinga.10.e34127 |doi-access=free |issn=2253-5861}}</ref>

There are significant collections of [[fossils]] and [[Zooarchaeology|archaeozoology]]; a [[herbarium]] of about 250,000&nbsp;dried specimens (''[[Index Herbariorum]]'' code '''WELT'''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Herbarium List – The William & Lynda Steere Herbarium: Te Papa Tongarewa|url=http://sweetgum.nybg.org/science/ih/herbarium-list/?NamOrganisation=Te%20Papa&AddPhysCountry=New%20Zealand|access-date=9 November 2020|website=sweetgum.nybg.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kell |first=Frances |date=2001-04-01 |title=Herbarium WELT in New Zealand's national Museum, 1865-1997 |url=https://tuhinga.arphahub.com/article/34132/ |journal=Tuhinga |language=en |volume=12 |pages=1–15 |doi=10.3897/tuhinga.12.e34132 |doi-access=free |issn=2253-5861}}</ref>); a collection of about 70,000&nbsp;specimen of New Zealand birds; significant [[amphibians]], [[reptiles]] and [[mammal]]s.

Molluscan holotypes, neotypes, lectotypes and syntypes are held by the Museum of New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Marshall |first=Bruce |date=1996-06-01 |title=Molluscan name-bearing types in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa |url=https://tuhinga.arphahub.com/article/34125/ |journal=Tuhinga |language=en |volume=9 |pages=1–85 |doi=10.3897/tuhinga.9.e34125 |doi-access=free |issn=2253-5861}}</ref>

The museum has the world's largest specimen of the rare [[colossal squid]] (''Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni''). It weighs {{convert|495|kg}} and is {{convert|4.2|m}} long.<ref name=size>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=82&objectid=10507295 |title=Size matters on 'squid row' |author=Atkinson, Kent |date=1 May 2008 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=25 September 2011}}</ref> The squid arrived at the museum in March 2007 after being captured by New Zealand fishers in the [[Ross Sea]] off Antarctica.<ref>{{cite news |title= Colossal squid may be headed for oven |work= USA Today |date= 22 March 2007 |url= http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/science/discoveries/2007-03-21-giant-squid_N.htm |agency= AP |access-date= 17 January 2015 |archive-date= 24 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220224040727/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/science/discoveries/2007-03-21-giant-squid_N.htm |url-status= live }}</ref> The cultural collections include collections on photography, Māori [[taonga]] (cultural treasures), and Pacific cultures.

The Museum of New Zealand is also home to the [[Elgar Collection]], a valuable collection of English and French furniture and paintings, the oldest of which date back to the seventeenth century. In 1946 the [[Dominion Museum]] received a bequest of some of [[Fernside Homestead]]'s finest antiques from [[Ella Elgar]]'s will. Until 1992 these antiques were displayed in period rooms at the Dominion Museum, and objects from the Elgar Collection are currently exhibited throughout Te Papa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/topic/843|title=Fernside, the Elgar homestead|website=Te Papa Collections online|access-date=29 May 2019|archive-date=5 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405225259/https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/topic/843|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Archives==
The archives are located in a separate building on 169 Tory Street and are open for researchers by appointment. There are two categories of archive collections: the Museum Archive and the Collected Archives.

The Museum Archive goes back to the founding of the Colonial Museum in 1865 and comprises the archives of James Hector. The archives of the [[National Art Gallery of New Zealand]] are also part of these archives. The Collected Archives fall into two groups:
# Art-related records and other archival papers in specialist areas; for instance the archives of [[Toss Woollaston]], [[Lois White]] and Leonard Mitchell
# A wide variety of archival material, that includes the diary of Felton Mathew, Surveyor General at the time of the signing of the [[Treaty of Waitangi]], and battle plans and correspondences related to [[World War I]]; for instance the [[Battle of Gallipoli|Gallipoli]] diary of Captain E.P. Cox.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Object: Diary, Gallipoli {{!}} Collections Online – Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa|url = http://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/247211|website = collections.tepapa.govt.nz|access-date = 18 June 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151010051802/http://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/247211|archive-date = 10 October 2015|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref>

==Exhibitions==

Te Papa's exhibits range from long-term exhibitions on New Zealand's natural environment and social history, to cultural spaces and touring/temporary exhibitions. Most are hands-on and interactive.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/visit/exhibitions|title=Exhibitions – Ngā whakaaturanga |website=Te Papa|date=22 January 2016 }}</ref> The long term exhibitions of cultural objects focus on [[New Zealand history]], [[Māori culture]] and New Zealand's natural world. The hands-on and interactive exhibitions focus on engaging young visitors and include out-door areas built and planted for Te Papa. The key cultural space is the ''Rongomaraeroa'' [[marae]] with unusual [[whakairo]] in its wharenui, ''Te Hono ki Hawaiki''.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/first-peoples-in-maori-tradition/1/2 |title=Meeting house, Te Papa Tongarewa – First peoples in Māori tradition – Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |year=2011 |quote=These carvings are on Te Hono ki Hawaiki wharenui (meeting house) in Te Papa museum. They show links to Hawaiki, the spiritual homeland from which the first arrivals to New Zealand came. |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318175301/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/first-peoples-in-maori-tradition/1/2 |archive-date=18 March 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Te Papa charges an entrance fee of $35 for international visitors (as of September 2024) however it remains free entry for all New Zealanders.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-16 |title=Te Papa to charge $35 entry fee for international visitors from September |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/525307/te-papa-to-charge-35-entry-fee-for-international-visitors-from-september |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-17 |title=New charge for overseas visitors to Te Papa met with positive response |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/528224/new-charge-for-overseas-visitors-to-te-papa-met-with-positive-response |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-03 |title=Te Papa to start charging international visitors $35 as energy costs soar |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/te-papa-museum-in-wellington-to-start-charging-international-vistors-35/CBV5HYYA5NB73FN43HAUGPYXKQ/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008030640/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/te-papa-museum-in-wellington-to-start-charging-international-vistors-35/CBV5HYYA5NB73FN43HAUGPYXKQ/|archive-date=8 October 2024|url-status=dead|author-first1=Georgina|author-last1=Campbell|author-first2=Ethan|author-last2=Manera|access-date=2024-10-03 |website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |language=en-NZ}}</ref> Some temporary exhibitions are ticketed, but may have occasional free days.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1101/S00149/see-te-papas-masterpieces-for-free.htm |title=See Te Papa's masterpieces for free |work=scoop.co.nz |year=2011 |quote=Wellingtonians have the opportunity to see Te Papa's latest temporary exhibition – The European Masters – on Thursday 3 February for free, thanks to Wellington City Council's sponsorship of the museum. |access-date=17 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127060906/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1101/S00149/see-te-papas-masterpieces-for-free.htm |archive-date=27 January 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2018, the ''Mountains to Sea'' and ''Awesome Forces'' exhibits were closed, with Te Taiao Nature taking their place. This new exhibit opened on 11 May 2019, with a 1,400 square-metre exhibition focusing on New Zealand's natural environment.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 February 2019|title=Ground-breaking nature zone opens in May|url=https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/news/2019-news/ground-breaking-nature-zone-opens-may|access-date=29 May 2019|website=Te Papa|archive-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528193140/https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/news/2019-news/ground-breaking-nature-zone-opens-may|url-status=live}}</ref> The exhibition retains several features of the old exhibits, such as an earthquake house simulation and a 495 kilogram (1,091 lb) [[Colossal squid]].

In 2022, the ''Manu Rere Moana'' exhibition was renewed to reflect the developments in traditional navigation since its initial installation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Manu Rere Moana |url=https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/visit/exhibitions/manu-rere-moana |website=Te Papa |date=11 October 2022 |access-date=6 January 2023 |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131014/https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/visit/exhibitions/manu-rere-moana |url-status=live }}</ref>

A full list of exhibitions can be found [https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/visit/whats-on/past-exhibitions/ here].

==Library==
Te Aka Matua Research Library, previously a publicly accessible library, is now open by appointment between 10am-5pm, Monday-Friday. The library is a major research and reference resource, with particular strengths in New Zealand, Māori, natural history, art, photography and museum studies. It is located on the fourth floor of the main building.<ref>{{cite web|date=10 February 2016|title=Research library and reading rooms|url=https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/learn/research/research-visits-and-collections-access/research-library-and-reading-rooms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327212948/https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/learn/research/research-visits-and-collections-access/research-library-and-reading-rooms|archive-date=27 March 2018|access-date=28 March 2018|publisher=Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa|language=en}}</ref>

==Mahuki Innovation Accelerator==
Mahuki<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Murphy|first=Oonagh|date=1 January 2018|title=Coworking Spaces, Accelerators and Incubators: Emerging Forms of Museum Practice in an Increasingly Digital World|url=https://research.gold.ac.uk/23999/1/Museum%20international%20final%20oct%202018.pdf|journal=Museum International|volume=70|issue=1–2|pages=62–75|doi=10.1111/muse.12193|issn=1350-0775|s2cid=166015542|access-date=2 September 2020|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131021/https://research.gold.ac.uk/23999/1/Museum%20international%20final%20oct%202018.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> was Te Papa's innovation accelerator. It was an in-residence programme in which 10 teams developed solutions to challenges facing cultural institutions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Open Minds. Open Markets.|url=https://www.mahuki.org/open-minds-open-markets|access-date=29 May 2019|website=Mahuki|archive-date=29 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529032303/https://www.mahuki.org/open-minds-open-markets|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Controversies==
The museum has sometimes been the centre of controversy. The siting of significant collections at the water's edge on reclaimed land next to one of the world's most [[active fault]]s has resulted in concern by some people. There has been criticism of the "sideshow" nature of some exhibits, primarily the Time Warp section, which has closed. There has also been criticism that some exhibits were not given due reverence. For example, a major work by [[Colin McCahon]] was at one stage juxtaposed with a 1950s refrigerator in a New Zealand culture exhibition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.amol.org.au/omj/volume3/williams.pdf|title=Parade: Reformulating Art and Identity at Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand|author=Williams, Paul|date=May 2001|work=Open Museum Journal Volume 3: Policy and Practice|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080410225318/http://archive.amol.org.au/omj/volume3/williams.pdf|archive-date=10 April 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=27 March 2008}}</ref>

The Māori name of the museum has caused controversy. In 1989 the Māori [[iwi]] [[Te Āti Awa]], located near Wellington, requested that the [[Ngāti Whakaue]] iwi grant a name to the museum, which resulted in the [[Ngāti Whakaue]] bestowing the name ''Kuru Tongarerewa'', an ancient ceremonial name important to the iwi evoking spiritual, historical, and cultural importance. However, the name eventually adopted by the museum caused offense by being a modification in the form of ''Te Papa Tongarewa''. Meetings between the museum's board and the [[Ngāti Whakaue]] led to promises that the name would be changed to ''Te Papa Kuru Tongererewa'', but the change did not occur.<ref>{{Citation|last=Tapsell|first=Paul|title=Being pre-Indigenous|date=31 July 2017|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781315641034-22|work=The Routledge Companion to Cultural Property|pages=351–372|location=Abingdon, Oxon|publisher=Routledge|doi=10.4324/9781315641034-22|isbn=9781315641034|access-date=16 September 2021|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131022/https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315641034-22/being-pre-indigenous-paul-tapsell|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

New Zealand art commentator [[Hamish Keith]], a member of the board that set up the Museum of New Zealand and a member of its interim board,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hamish Keith |url=https://www.penguin.co.nz/authors/hamish-keith |access-date=9 June 2023 |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131046/https://www.penguin.co.nz/authors/hamish-keith |url-status=live }}</ref> has been a consistent critic of Te Papa at different times referring to it as a "theme park", the "cultural equivalent to a fast-food outlet" and "not even a de facto national gallery",<ref>{{cite journal|last=Keith|first=Hamish|date=22 March 2008|title=Te solution (Cultural Curmudgeon)|url=http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/cultural-curmudgeon/te-solution/|url-status=live|journal=[[New Zealand Listener]]|volume=213|issue=3541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810212454/http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/cultural-curmudgeon/te-solution/|archive-date=10 August 2012|access-date=28 September 2012}}</ref> but seemed to moderate his opinion later when making a case for exhibition space on the [[Auckland waterfront]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Keith|first=Hamish|date=5 December 2011|title=Hamish Keith on museums|url=http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/cultural-curmudgeon/hamish-keith-on-museums/|url-status=live|journal=New Zealand Listener|issue=3734|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811005614/http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/cultural-curmudgeon/hamish-keith-on-museums/|archive-date=11 August 2012|access-date=28 September 2012}}</ref>

Staff restructuring at Te Papa since 2012 has generated significant controversy.<ref name="stuff-18-1">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/105736231/is-te-papa-properly-managing-its-collections|title=Is Te Papa properly managing its collections?|date=25 July 2018|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131021/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/105736231/is-te-papa-properly-managing-its-collections|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="stuff-18-2">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/108186997/te-papa-lacking-enough-internal-staff-to-look-after-entire-collection-experts-say|title=Te Papa lacking enough internal staff to look after entire collection, experts say|date=29 October 2018|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131022/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/108186997/te-papa-lacking-enough-internal-staff-to-look-after-entire-collection-experts-say|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="radionz-18-2">{{cite web|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/369785/te-papa-review-panel-not-made-aware-of-restructure-plan|title=A review panel for collection management at the museum was not made aware of restructuring plans|date=30 October 2018|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131025/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/369785/te-papa-review-panel-not-made-aware-of-restructure-plan|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2018, Te Papa management promised to review restructuring plans, indicating that plans would be scaled back.<ref name="radionz-18-1">{{cite web|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/369890/te-papa-restructure-a-really-thorough-root-and-branch-review|title=Te Papa restructure: 'A really thorough root and branch review'|date=31 October 2018 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=11 April 2019}}</ref> In February 2019, the Collection Manager of Fishes Andrew Stewart and the Collection Manager of Molluscs [[Bruce Marshall (taxonomist)|Bruce Marshall]] were made redundant.<ref name="stuff-19-1">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/110078786/te-papa-restructure-risks-loss-of-irreplaceable-science-expertise--critics|title=Te Papa restructure risks loss of irreplaceable science expertise – critics|date=25 January 2019|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=15 February 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718125646/https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/110078786/te-papa-restructure-risks-loss-of-irreplaceable-science-expertise--critics|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="stuff-19-2">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/110560763/worldleading-science-experts-made-redundant-in-te-papa-restructure|title=World-leading science experts made redundant in Te Papa restructure|date=13 February 2019|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=15 February 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131536/https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/110560763/worldleading-science-experts-made-redundant-in-te-papa-restructure|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="radionz-19-1">{{cite web|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/382420/world-renowned-experts-set-to-be-made-redundant-by-te-papa-insider-says|title=World renowned experts set to be made redundant by Te Papa, insider says|date=13 February 2019|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=15 February 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131639/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/382420/world-renowned-experts-set-to-be-made-redundant-by-te-papa-insider-says|url-status=live}}</ref> Numerous museum experts and scientists in New Zealand and worldwide criticised the move, with researchers including [[Steve O'Shea]] advocating a boycott.<ref name="nzherald1">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12178738|title=Nic Rawlence: Te Papa's latest restructure is a great leap backwards|author-first1=Nic|author-last1=Rawlence|date=18 December 2018|publisher=[[New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131642/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nic-rawlence-te-papas-latest-restructure-is-a-great-leap-backwards/W44WEV6MDRWCUUCXADJPDIH7VA/?c_id=1&objectid=12178738|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="radionz-19-2">{{cite web|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/383721/te-papa-defends-natural-history-team-restructure|title=Te Papa defends natural history team restructure|date=March 2019|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131642/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/383721/te-papa-defends-natural-history-team-restructure|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="radionz-19-3">{{cite web|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ourchangingworld/audio/2018655109/scientist-worried-for-te-papa-s-biological-collections|title=Scientist worried for Te Papa's biological collections|date=25 July 2018 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=11 April 2019}}</ref><ref name="radionz-19-4">{{cite web|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/383478/scientists-have-growing-concern-for-te-papa-s-natural-history-collection|title=Scientists have growing concern for Te Papa's natural history collection|date=27 February 2019|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131542/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/383478/scientists-have-growing-concern-for-te-papa-s-natural-history-collection|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="spinoff1">{{cite web|url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/science/18-02-2019/te-papa-must-decide-if-it-still-wants-to-be-a-natural-history-museum/|title=Te Papa must decide if it still wants to be a natural history museum|date=18 February 2019|publisher=[[The Spinoff]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131646/https://thespinoff.co.nz/science/18-02-2019/te-papa-must-decide-if-it-still-wants-to-be-a-natural-history-museum|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="stuff-19-3">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/110955228/the-loss-of-knowledge-behind-the-scenes-at-the-museum|title=The loss of knowledge behind the scenes at the museum|date=March 2019|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718131543/https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/110955228/the-loss-of-knowledge-behind-the-scenes-at-the-museum|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="stuff-19-4">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/110891128/te-papa-slammed-by-30-international-experts-over-restructure-making-scientists-redundant|title=Te Papa slammed by 30 international experts over restructure making scientists redundant|date=27 February 2019|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132049/https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/110891128/te-papa-slammed-by-30-international-experts-over-restructure-making-scientists-redundant|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="stuff-19-5">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/111693326/global-fish-experts-could-boycott-te-papa-over-scientist-job-cuts|title=Global fish experts could boycott Te Papa over scientist job cuts|date=April 2019|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132149/https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/111693326/global-fish-experts-could-boycott-te-papa-over-scientist-job-cuts|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="stuff-19-6">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/111721869/another-20-international-fish-experts-sign-petition-against-te-papa-restructure|title=Another 20 international fish experts sign petition against Te Papa restructure|date=2 April 2019|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132130/https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/111721869/another-20-international-fish-experts-sign-petition-against-te-papa-restructure|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2019, the redundancies were delayed.<ref name="radionz-19-5">{{cite web|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/385638/te-papa-museum-lists-ad-for-new-curator-after-expert-made-redundant|title=Te Papa museum lists ad for new curator after expert made redundant|date=26 March 2019|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132049/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/385638/te-papa-museum-lists-ad-for-new-curator-after-expert-made-redundant|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2019, the museum reversed the decision for Andrew Stewart, offering him an alternative job.<ref name="stuff-19-8">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/111862494/te-papa-backs-down-over-fish-expert-redundancy|title=Te Papa backs down over fish expert redundancy|date=8 April 2019|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132048/https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/111862494/te-papa-backs-down-over-fish-expert-redundancy|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="scoop1">{{cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1904/S00047/te-papa-expert-made-redundant-offered-new-role-at-museum.htm|title=Te Papa expert made redundant offered new role at museum|publisher=Scoop.co.nz|access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132050/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1904/S00047/te-papa-expert-made-redundant-offered-new-role-at-museum.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="wellyscoop1">{{cite web|url=http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=117758|title=Te Papa offers new job to scientist it made redundant|publisher=Wellington Scoop|access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=12 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412045712/http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/%3Fp%3D117758/|url-status=live}}</ref>  Between April and May 2019, Te Papa advertised a research position for a molluscan curator and awarded the job to an alternative candidate to Bruce Marshall.<ref name="radionz-19-5" /><ref name="stuff-19-7">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/111522716/te-papa-seeking-mollusc-specialist-after-axing-worldleading-expert|title=Te Papa seeking mollusc specialist after axing world-leading expert|date=25 March 2019|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132131/https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/111522716/te-papa-seeking-mollusc-specialist-after-axing-worldleading-expert|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="stuff-19-9">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/112851714/worldleading-te-papa-mollusc-expert-misses-out-on-curator-job|title=World-leading Te Papa mollusc expert misses out on curator job|date=21 May 2019|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=25 May 2019|archive-date=24 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524071637/https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/112851714/worldleading-te-papa-mollusc-expert-misses-out-on-curator-job|url-status=live}}</ref> The advertisement and decision to not offer the job to Bruce Marshall was criticised harshly by outside experts,<ref name="radionz-19-5" /><ref name="stuff-19-7" /> prompting moa expert [[Trevor Worthy]] to end his 30-year research association with the museum in protest.<ref name="stuff-19-10">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/112905562/mr-moa-scientist-cuts-30year-te-papa-connection-over-staff-treatment|title=Mr Moa scientist cuts 30-year Te Papa connection over staff treatment|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=11 April 2019|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629111440/https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/112905562/mr-moa-scientist-cuts-30year-te-papa-connection-over-staff-treatment|url-status=live}}</ref> 

=== Virgin Mary artwork controversy ===
British artist [[Tania Kovats]]' exhibition, Pictura Britannica, particularly the piece ''[[Virgin in a Condom]]'', infuriated many in the [[Christians|Christian]] community and sparked protests and counter protests a month after Te Papa opened its doors in 1998.<ref name="Plunket" /> A nationwide petition was circulated calling for the work's removal. Protesters congregated on the forecourt outside, increasing in number after The Christian Action group took out a full-page advertisement in ''[[The Dominion (Wellington)|The Dominion]]'' newspaper inviting people to join their protest. They threatened to take Te Papa to court on the grounds of "blasphemous libel", a [[1961 Crimes Act]] offence against "religion, morality and public welfare". Te Papa staff also became the target of abusive and threatening phone calls and letters. The exhibit was guarded after being physically attacked, and following that, a guard working at the site was assaulted.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bates |first=Charles |date=10 March 1998 |title=Museum staff abused over Virgin statue |work=The Dominion Post |pages=1}}</ref>

Te Papa responded by refusing to remove the offending artwork.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 March 1998 |title=Museum refuses to drop "gravely offensive" art |work=The Press (Christchurch)}}</ref> The museum welcomed protestors back, stating that the museum's aim was not to offend, but to stimulate debate as a forum.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 March 1998 |title=Virgin statue on show despite attack |work=The Sunday Star Times}}</ref> However, they stipulated that debate would not concern the removal of the artwork, but only its meanings and interpretation, claiming that, "the people of New Zealand would want the museum to take a strong position on this, not to succumb to intimidation as some other museums have". The move sought to align Te Papa with other art museums that have taken the side of artistic freedom in spite of well publicised protest (the statuette was banned in Adelaide, stolen in Sydney, and dropped from its British tour).<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Stocker |first=Mark |date=2021 |title=Virgin in a Condom: Te Papa's baptism by fire |journal=Tuhinga |volume=32 |issue=32 |pages=81–119|doi=10.3897/tuhinga.32.e34264 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

The leader of the [[Christian Heritage Party of New Zealand|Christian Heritage Party]] claimed that the sacrilegious display of the statuette was hypocritical, given that the museum is careful not to offend sensitivities about Māori spirituality.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Francis |first=Vic |date=15 June 1998 |title=Virgin in Condom Provokes Outcry |work=Christianity Today |pages=19}}</ref> Strangely at no time did any of the protesters complain about the many images of Kovaks' Virgin in a Condom that were published in papers up and down the country.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Frewen |first=Tom |date=20 March 1998 |title=As the Controversy Grew Papers Gleefully Ran Virgin Pictures |work=[[National Business Review]] }}</ref> With the help of TV3 Te Papa organised a panel discussion including protesters to try and defuse the situation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lane |first=Megan |date=14 April 1998 |title=Statue Debate Ends in Stalemate |work=Evening Post}}</ref> Curator [[Ian Wedde]] also undertook to consider a more cautious approach with contemporary art exhibitions, ‘In future, we may have to say there's a risk management factor to consider.'<ref>{{Cite news |last=Catherall |first=Sarah |date=15 March 1998 |title=Te Papa's Fingers Burnt in Outrage Over Condom Art |work=[[Sunday Star-Times]] }}</ref>

=== Behind the scenes tour advice for women ===
Advice for pregnant and menstruating women to avoid a behind-the-scenes tour of some of Te Papa's collections in 2010 had some questioning if this was appropriate inclusiveness for a national museum. A Te Papa spokeswoman at the time said the policy was in place because of Māori beliefs surrounding the [[taonga]] collection included in the tour "for their own safety".<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 October 2010|title=Pregnant women warned off Te Papa tour|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/arts/4221890/Pregnant-women-warned-off-Te-Papa-tour|first1=Kirsty|last1=Johnston|access-date=8 January 2021|website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132552/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/arts/4221890/Pregnant-women-warned-off-Te-Papa-tour|url-status=live}}</ref> This generated outrage, with claims that Te Papa was overbearing in terms of political correctness.<ref name="Plunket">{{cite web |last=Plunket |first=Sean |date=18 October 2010 |title=Our Place needs biculturism not biased culturism |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/4240644/To-live-up-to-its-name-Our-Place-needs-biculturism-not-biased-culturism |access-date=17 October 2011 |work=stuff.co.nz}}</ref>

=== William Strutt painting dispute ===
Taranaki tribal elders raised objections to a 19th-century Te Papa-owned painting that the museum planned to lend to the [[Govett-Brewster Art Gallery]] in [[New Plymouth]] in 2019. Te Papa said it hoped the piece, ''View of Mt Egmont, Taranaki, New Zealand, taken from New Plymouth, with Maoris driving off settlers' cattle'', painted by [[William Strutt (artist)|William Strutt]], would spark a conversation about historical perspectives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shaskey |first=Tara |date=23 April 2018 |title=Kaumātua disgusted at gallery's efforts to show colonial painting, citing racism |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/103320304/kaumtua-disgusted-at-gallerys-efforts-to-show-colonial-painting-citing-racism |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132641/https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/103320304/kaumtua-disgusted-at-gallerys-efforts-to-show-colonial-painting-citing-racism |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Stephanie |date=24 April 2018 |title=Te Papa: Controversial painting is a 'skewed version of history' |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/103366193/te-papa-controversial-painting-is-a-skewed-version-of-history |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132553/https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/103366193/te-papa-controversial-painting-is-a-skewed-version-of-history |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 April 2018 |title=Jamie Tuuta and the Strutt Painting |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/ours/story/2018641597/jamie-tuuta-and-the-strutt-painting |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132647/https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/ours/story/2018641597/jamie-tuuta-and-the-strutt-painting |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Te Taiao water quality falsification ===
In 2019, the museum faced criticism from farmers, and [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] MP [[Todd Muller]] over a container of brown dyed water which was part of a display in the museum's Te Taiao Nature exhibition. This water was labelled as "water from a typical farm stream" with an image of a cow defecating in a waterway, and was classed as undrinkable.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|title='Outrageous': Farmers furious over Te Papa 'dirty water' display|language=en|work=[[Newshub]] |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/rural/2019/12/outrageous-farmers-furious-over-te-papa-dirty-water-display.html|access-date=8 January 2021|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132645/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/rural/2019/12/outrageous-farmers-furious-over-te-papa-dirty-water-display.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Te Papa spokeswoman Kate Camp also told Stuff that the bottles had been created for display purposes only and were not samples. Camp stated that, "this display is about telling the story of New Zealand waterways. It's based on robust research that shows that many waterways in New Zealand—in urban and rural areas—aren't fit to drink or to swim in".<ref name=":2" />

=== Exposure of adult content to children ===
In 2020, several children were exposed to mature content without sufficient warning messages. Te Papa head of art Charlotte Davy said the museum would be making warning signs more obvious and installing new ones.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2020|title=Te Papa installing signage after preschoolers see man's genitals|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/122177756/te-papa-installing-signage-after-preschoolers-see-mans-genitals|access-date=10 August 2021|website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718132644/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/122177756/te-papa-installing-signage-after-preschoolers-see-mans-genitals|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Te Tiriti o Waitangi exhibition protest ===
[[File:Ngā tohu kotahitanga Signs of a Nation 2023-12-20 - The Treaty display.jpg|thumb|Vandalized 'Signs of a Nation' display in December 2023]]
On 11 December 2023, a wooden display panel showing an English version of the [[Treaty of Waitangi]] at the museum's Signs of a Nation Te Tiriti o Waitangi exhibition was damaged and partially blacked out with spray paint and an angle grinder by protesters from a group calling itself Te Waka Hourua. The group had demanded the panel's removal from display for allegedly misleading visitors into thinking that it was a translation of the document. Twelve people were arrested. Museum officials said that they acknowledged the group's message and said that they were renewing the display, adding that the damaged panel would remain on display in its current form over the 2023–2024 summer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 December 2023 |title=Te Papa to renew Treaty of Waitangi exhibition that protesters defaced |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/te-papa-to-renew-treaty-of-waitangi-exhibition-that-protesters-defaced/EEYYVJXUGZDIJA6UNCJX4T7XQM/ |access-date=20 December 2023 |website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |language=en |archive-date=19 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219200431/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/te-papa-to-renew-treaty-of-waitangi-exhibition-that-protesters-defaced/EEYYVJXUGZDIJA6UNCJX4T7XQM/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of national galleries]]
*[[Rongomaraeroa]], the contemporary marae of Te Papa
* ''[[Tales from Te Papa]]'', a television series about objects from the collection

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==

* 'The designing of Te Papa'. ''Architecture New Zealand''. Special edition, February 1998.

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.tepapa.govt.nz}}
* [http://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/ Collections online]
*[https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/te-papa?hl=en Te Papa] within [[Google Arts & Culture]]
*{{commons category-inline}}

{{Wellington landmarks}}
{{NZ crown entities/Autonomous crown entities|state=collapsed}}
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