The brief – refurbish and reinterpret the Waitangi Treaty House, providing visitors with an extended and focussed addition to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds experience and complementing the Waitangi Museum.

We provided – spatial design | graphic design | content development | production & installation | delivery management

The Waitangi Treaty House centres on the importance of place and its position on the Treaty Grounds. The House has been re-established as the main object from which to tell the stories of its history, people and the major events that occurred there. Barriers have been removed and visitors are free to walk through all the rooms, where important stories that link to each space are told. 

The official and private lives of James Busby and the history of the house are examined. Information is seamlessly integrated through use of large quotes and framed historical photographs, plans and maps. Bespoke tables feature plans and digital content; a large audio-visual experience explores the events that led to the drafting and signing of the Treaty of Waitangi Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

All work was to heritage standards and we worked closely with Salmond Reed Architects, selected contractors and the Waitangi National Trust to ensure the preservation of this iconic site.