Following in the Steps of Our Forefathers

(Maiorum Institutis Utendo)

This Dunedin City Council Polling Booth has been embroidered with the City Coat of Arms and it’s motto 'Maiorum Institutis Utendo'. Translated from Latin it reads: 'Following in the Steps of our Forefathers'. This work acknowledges the enduring goal of partnership sought between Iwi Māori (Kai Tahu/Ngāi Tahu) and Pākeha in sharing resources and authority in the Otago/Ōtākou region.

Rachel Stephenson 2008
Dunedin City Council wooden polling booth, canvas, wool and embroidery cotton.
Height 183cm Width 15ocm POA

The reverse of the screen shows the Crown Apology to Ngāi Tahu which was delivered to Ngāi Tahu Whānui on 29 November 1998 by Prime Minister Jenny Shipley at Ōnuku Marae, Banks Peninsula. The text is a child’s deliberate script, inscribing our countries history to memory.

This apology is a testament to the patience, dignity and sacrifice of Ngāi Tahu Whānui in their efforts to achieve the promise of partnership with the Crown, taking almost 150 yrs.

For further information on the Ngāi Tahu Settlement (history and details) see this from Te Rūnanga O Ngāi Tahu, and this It was twenty years ago today; Commemorating the Ngāi Tahu Treaty Settlement, researched and written by Scott Campbell.