Maori culture is soon to be showcased at the United Nations headquarters in New York - with woven tukutuku panels being packed up at Te Papa today to begin their journey.

60 weavers across the country spent thousands of hours creating the 50 panels, telling New Zealand's history.

Te Papa's acting chief executive Arapata Hakiwai says world leaders will be among those who encounter the panels.

"I'm sure they will evoke a response and say 'wow, what does this mean' and it speaks about our unique country and our identity and I think visitors who experience these panels will get a greater understanding or appreciation of who we are as a nation."