The Government says it will provide $8 million from the Regional Investment Fund to support the continued operation and preservation of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds attract more than 160,000 visitors each year and was one of Northland's premier visitor destinations, supporting regional tourism, employment and economic activity.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said Waitangi was "where the story of modern New Zealand began".
"It is a place of immense national significance, a place of nationhood.
"Preserving heritage buildings, museums, cultural facilities and public infrastructure at a site of this significance is an essential and ongoing investment. This pūtea from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will help ensure this taonga remains accessible, vibrant and fit for future generations," Jones said.
The grant would help support the continued operation of the Treaty Grounds while investing in the infrastructure and assets needed to maintain public access and support educational, cultural and commemorative programmes.
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said Waitangi held "a unique place in New Zealand's identity".
"Waitangi is where many New Zealanders come to better understand Te Tiriti o Waitangi and reflect on the events and people who shaped our nation.
"This investment from the Crown will help preserve that opportunity while supporting the cultural, educational and commemorative programmes that make the Treaty Grounds a living and enduring taonga," he said.
Previous regional development funding has supported the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and associated infrastructure, including $10.2m from the RIF for Treaty Grounds infrastructure upgrades, $1.57m from the RIF for the sealing and upgrade of Haruru Falls Road, a secondary access route to the Treaty Grounds; and $14.50m from the Provincial Growth Fund for Te Rau Aroha – the Māori Battalion Museum.
"As we look towards the bicentenary of Waitangi Day in 2040, we are ensuring this nationally significant taonga has the infrastructure and support worthy of its place in our nation's story," Jones said.
Waitangi National Trust Board expresses 'deep appreciation'
In a statement, the Waitangi National Trust expressed its "deep appreciation to the Government" following its announcement.
Trust Board chairperson Dame Jenny Shipley said the investment "helps us prepare to welcome all New Zealanders and visitors from around the world to the birthplace of our nation, and to share the Treaty's unique gift in new ways — the gift that forms the very basis of who we are".
"These new resources will allow the Trust to make improvements in how it presents and shares the experiences and stories of Waitangi. This includes exploring further how it might use modern digital investment to unlock the remarkable voices that were present when our nation was founded."
"The investment will boost our ambition to ensure Waitangi is and remains a place where all New Zealanders wish to visit, and in doing so will see all aspects of our history and who we are as a nation together."
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