New Treaty of Waitangi education project

New Zealanders will be learning more about the Treaty of Waitangi under a new programme announced today with the 2003-2004 Budget.

The three-year programme will receive almost $6.5 million in 2003-2004 to develop resource information which will be distributed to schools, libraries, community centres and other interested groups. It will also be posted on the web.

"Labour recognises the Treaty of Waitangi is this country's founding document, providing a basis from which strong and mutually respectful relationships can be developed and strengthened," said Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia.

The final details of the programme are still to be decided, but the project will be managed by the State Services Commission.

"The key point … is to make factual information available, such as the text of the Treaty itself, historical information on the drafting and signing of the Treaty, and the principles of the Treaty as determined by the courts," said Mr Horomia.