ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the evolving relationships between museums and Ma _ ori
in Aotearoa, New Zealand, with particular emphasis on the period 1980-2001. The Te Ma
_ ori exhibition (1984-7) is identified as a turning point in Ma
_ ori rela-
tionships with museums. Since that time most museums have worked constructively to build better relationships with Ma
_ ori people, not only because elements
of Ma _ ori heritage form a large part of museum collections, but also because
museum credibility depends to a large extent on those collections. These evolving relationships are documented with reference to recent developments in three institutions, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Tairawhiti Museum, and Whanganui Regional Museum, especially as they affect museum governance. The paper considers the significance of these evolving models of museum governance, organisational structures and professional practice for the museum sector and the extent to which they may contribute to issues of social change and social equity in the wider society.
