Treaty of Waitangi

The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi has influenced our project through creating equality and justice for all. Every citizen is to have equal rights in New Zealand which regards to visual arts we believe that both adults and children should be allowed access to art an the freedom to do art.

The three principles policy for Māori is partnership, participation and protection. This links to places and spaces for visual arts through making sure all children are able to participate in their community. The community should have a collaborative partnership with families/whānau who attend these events and protection of Māori cultural practices be maintained through art activities such as weaving and carving (Project Waitangi, 1993). 
There are also strong links to children's rights to the Treaty of Waitangi and Māori views. 

Our places and spaces for the visual arts project was also inspired through the principles of the early childhood curriculum. Empowerment can be used to encourage children to participate, learn and grow. Empowering children supports them to become independent learners, provide equal learning opportunities for all and recognises the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi. Relationships are also a significant principle where children learn through people, places and things. Social interactions give children rich opportunities to learn and make sense of ideas with adults and other children. Growing and valuing relationships has significance to the Treaty of Waitangi and reflects the multicultural nature of New Zealand society (Ministry of Education, 1996).