Puke Ariki exhibition leaves memories for PM

After five years developing their latest exhibition, Puke Ariki staff were grateful for the extra minutes a late-running Prime Minister gave them.

As John Key walked the stairs to the museum foyer 15 minutes behind schedule yesterday morning, the finishing touches were still being put on Te Ahi Ka Roa, Te Ahi Katoro Taranaki War 1860-2010 Our Legacy – Our Challenge exhibition in New Plymouth.

While formalities proved tiring for New Plymouth District councillor Lance Girling-Butcher's guide dog, they were just the beginning of a long day for Mr Key.

After officially opening the exhibition, the Prime Minister travelled to Waitara to sign an historic treaty settlement document with Te Atiawa at Owae Marae.

However, before that he was treated to a tour of the exhibition by Puke Ariki manager Bill Macnaught and exhibition manager Gerard Beckingsale.

"He was very interested in the animation. A large part of the government funding we have received for this is about bringing stories alive through animation and so he wanted to know all about that," he said.

"He also seemed to have an understanding of just how much work was involved in bringing this here. It was a massive effort."

Later that day, after clarifying Te Atiawa settlement package would not include oil and gas royalties and his belief that any settlements would be full and final, Mr Key found time to get back to the exhibition.

At least in words, if not in person. "It was tremendous, actually. I think it has a good sense of the history that took place and it is provocative in parts. Hopefully, it will tour around the country because it is a real work of art.

"The combination of new modern digital techniques and telling a very famous part of New Zealand's history is a nice combination and I thought it was very special, actually.

"And I hope it will go to Te Papa and up to Auckland and other parts of New Zealand," he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News