A wooden display panel showing the English translation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi was damaged with spray paint and a power tool in a protest today.
A Te Papa spokesperson told 1News no museum collection items were damaged in the protest, which occurred around midday.
The protesters were removed by police, and 12 people were arrested.
A 29-year-old man was charged with intentional damage, obstructing police, and breach of bail, and a 53-year-old woman was charged with intentional damage.
Both a 46-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were also charged with breach of bail.
It comes after a dozen protesters walked into the museum on Monday and vandalised a display panel showing the English version. (Source: 1News)
The other eight protesters were arrested for trespass after refusing to leave Te Papa.
They were escorted outside, formally trespassed and released without charge, police said.
The protest group, Te Waka Hourua, also released a statement this afternoon demanding Te Papa to remove the English translation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
They said Te Papa is displaying the translation opposite the te reo Maori version, which is misleading visitors to believe it is an accurate translation of Te Tiriti, which it “most certainly is not”.
“While the English document holds a distinct place in our nation's history, it is not a translation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and holds no legal standing.
“Te Tiriti, in te reo Māori, is the only legitimate, legally binding agreement.
“The miseducation around Te Tiriti has resulted in a population who are ignorant of the promises made to Māori, leading to fearfulness and division.
“This is why it is so important that our national museum provides clarity and displays an accurate translation for all New Zealanders to be able to read and understand.”
While level four of the museum along with the Signs of a Nation Display is closed, the rest of Te Papa remains open for the day.
"Our focus is on the safety of everyone in our museum, and on the protection of the taonga in our care," said the Te Papa spokesperson.
"We respect the right of people to express their views and to protest but we are disappointed that the group has damaged this museum display.
"This display shows English and te reo Māori versions of the Treaty. Information panels highlight the differences.
"The exhibition has evolved over time, and it will continue to.
"We have engaged with Te Waka Hourua before, including releasing information under the Official Information Act."
Video on social media shows people blocking a staircase inside the museum's main entrance. They were banners reading Tell the Truth and Kōrero Pono Mai.
Another shows a person wearing a hi-vis vest and helmet being led out of a gallery by police, and spray paint on a large panel.
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