Treaty museum in $9.5m upgrade

Work is progressing on a new museum at Waitangi Treaty Grounds but the facility won't be ready in time for next month's 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Photo / Francesca Jago

New ways to learn about New Zealand history have been introduced to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in time for the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty.

The new features are part of an estimated $12.5 million redevelopment project which includes a $9.5 million museum.

Chief Executive of the Waitangi National Trust Greg McManus said bilingual signs, documentaries, exhibitions and more live cultural performances are now in place and construction of the Museum of Waitangi is under way.

"We have exhibitions that show a timeline of New Zealand's history and a new documentary film that tells stories about when the Treaty was signed right through to the modern day, so people can see why it's relevant."

Mr McManus was particularly excited about the bilingual signage, a feature he was surprised wasn't introduced earlier.

"That's one thing that shocked me, all the signs were in English. Considering New Zealand's history is about that bi-cultural partnership, I was quite shocked," he said.

Despite the new entry fee for the Treaty Grounds, Mr McManus said they had been busier than usual this summer, the new features may be the cause.

He said it was "great" to have some of the project completed in time for Waitangi Day, which will mark 175 years since the Treaty was signed.

"I would have loved for the museum to be completed too but it's a massive job."

Mr McManus said the 175th Anniversary will be a "massive day".

"The navy will be sending five ships, they usually only send one, and we think the airforce will be flying past which they haven't done in years," he said.