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Summarised by Centrist
Charges against activist Te Wehi Heketoro Ratana over the defacing of a Treaty of Waitangi display at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa have been dismissed after prosecutors withdrew the case just weeks before a jury trial.
The Crown confirmed there was still sufficient evidence to prosecute Ratana for intentional damage and obstructing police. But after reviewing new material from the defence, prosecutors decided it was not in the public interest to proceed, bringing the case to an abrupt end.
The charges stemmed from a December 2023 protest inside Te Papa’s “Signs of a Nation” exhibition. Members of the activist group Te Waka Horua painted over the English text of the Treaty panel and revealed the message: “No. Her Majesty the Queen of England is the alien. ration the Queen’s veges.”
Ratana was one of two people charged and had previously been remanded in custody following the incident. A jury trial had been scheduled to begin on 30 March.
However, shortly before trial preparations intensified, the defence disclosed a proposed tikanga statement from Te Ururoa Flavell, outlining Māori customary perspectives likely to be raised in court.
After discussions with defence counsel, the Crown Solicitor reviewed the case and concluded that continuing with a jury trial was not justified in the circumstances. The charges were formally dismissed under section 147 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
The damaged panel was later exhibited as an artwork at the Adam Art Gallery, and the protest inspired a theatre production written by Ratana.
After the protest, Te Papa acknowledged its Treaty exhibition needed revision and began redeveloping the display with iwi and Treaty specialists.
