Cultural Permissions
Auckland Museum recognises that some collection images require consideration beyond copyright and legal permissions.
Images of Māori and Pacific subjects, taonga, ancestors, communities and culturally significant material carry histories, relationships and responsibilities. Our approach ensures these images are accessed and used in ways that respect cultural values, while supporting people to engage with and learn from our collections.
Our cultural permissions processes are guided by Māori and Pacific values, museum best practice, and Auckland Museum’s commitments to partnership through Te Tiriti o Waitangi and relationship building with Pacific communities.
All taonga and culturally significant material housed in, or cared for by, Auckland Museum receives this level of consideration.
He aratohu mō te tono i ngā whakaahua Māori
Auckland Museum takes particular care with requests to use images that depict Māori subjects and content.
This approach is based on Māori cultural values, museum best practice and the Museum’s commitment to partnership through Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The Māori image request process explains:
how to request Māori images
how decisions are made
what information requesters need to provide
what requesters can expect throughout the process
Our aim is to uphold Māori cultural values while supporting appropriate access to and use of Māori images. Please feel free to read more about the Māori dimension at Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira in our strategic document, He Korahi Māori. This document is available in both te reo Māori and English.
Auckland Museum takes particular care with requests involving Pacific subjects and content.
Our approach is guided by Pacific Island nations’ cultural values, Auckland Museum’s principles and values, and our commitment to nurturing relationships as outlined in Teu Le Vā: The Pacific Dimension at Auckland Museum.
This process supports respectful access to Pacific images while ensuring Pacific cultural values are upheld. Please feel free to read more about the Pacific dimension at Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira in our strategic document, Teu Le Vā. This document can be viewed here.
Requesting a culturally sensitive image
When requesting Māori or Pacific images, we ask for:
details of the image or object
how the image will be used
relevant iwi, hapū or Pacific Island nation affiliations where applicable
The Image Order Team will:
assess the request using the relevant cultural framework
advise on any additional rights or permissions required
aim to provide an initial response within one week of receiving complete information
maintain a record of the request and decision
protect the privacy of requesters unless written permission has been provided
Start an Image Request
To request an image requiring cultural consideration, please contact the Image Order Team.
When submitting your request, please provide as much information as possible about the image, intended use and any relevant cultural connections.
Acknowledgements
Auckland Museum acknowledges the support and contribution of iwi, Pacific communities, museums, libraries and cultural organisations in developing these guidelines.
These guidelines are shared under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence, allowing reuse, sharing and commercial use provided Auckland Museum is attributed.