Understanding the relevance of the three founding documents, He Whakaputanga/Declaration of independence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ToW, Women’s Suffrage Petition, to the citizens of Aotearoa NZ today.

We had been planning this day since the end of 2019. Lockdowns in 2020 postponed it, but finally, six students and their outreach teachers finally made it to the He Tohu exhibition at the Parnell National Library.

When we arrived, we were greeted warmly with hot drinks and comfy couches to wait on. Well, most of us waited on the couches - there was a lively Tik Tok corner too!

Finally - time for the presentation. We were led to the He Tohu exhibition area and sat down on seats with tables to lean on and take notes. When the blinds were opened on the far wall - we could even see the building where the original treaty document was stored (and saved from fire) while it was in Auckland.

The next two and a quarter hours were riveting. We traveled through time as the presenter used a PowerPoint, and narration to present us with a historical narrative that began when British sailors first arrived, right up to the occupation of Bastion Point. There were opportunities to role play actual historical events with costumes and props, and many opportunities for lively discussions.

Finally, it was time to say goodbye to the Library and its amazing staff and to leave for lunch at Bastion point. There, at this historic landmark, new friendships continued to blossom and old friends continued to chat and catch up. It was a remarkable day, and we were all sad to see it end.