A new permanent nature exhibition opens at Te Papa

23 May 2019

Te Taiao/Nature is a new permanent exhibition at the Te Papa Tongarewa/Museum of New Zealand in Wellington. It weaves together science and mātauranga Māori in a uniquely New Zealand experience.

Te Taiao/Nature opened to the public on Saturday 11 May, and entry is free. With an investment of $12 million, it is the largest redevelopment at Te Papa since it opened 21 years ago, and replaces the old nature exhibitions which have been closed since April 2018. The 1,400-square-metre zone features more than 1,200 collection items, from a fossil dinosaur tooth to a moa egg which had never been seen by the public. There are dozens of interactive experiences from a scale that lets visitors weigh in against a giant moa, to a tank where they can create their own tsunami.

Te Papa Chief Executive Geraint Martin says the opening is a historic moment for the museum. “Te Taiao/Nature sets a new benchmark in museum experiences for a new generation. This is a hands-on space full of wonder and curiosity, built on the platform of leading-edge science and priceless museum collections. It celebrates the beauty, power and uniqueness of Aotearoa, and we hope it sparks action to protect the environment.”

More than a hundred scientists from Te Papa and beyond have been involved in creating Te Taiao/Nature, with experts on everything from earthquakes to glow worms contributing their unique knowledge. Mātauranga Māori experts have brought perspectives and knowledge from te ao Māori, from the traditional knowledge of environmentally friendly fish hooks, to the creation story of New Zealand’s volcanoes. Dozens of creatives and artisans from around New Zealand have provided their skills to create the elaborate exhibition, including model makers, taxidermists, animators, illustrators, writers, and carvers.

Resene is proud to have supplied paint to help make this exhibition possible.

For more information and to plan your visit, check out the Te Papa website.

Published: 23 May 2019