Te Papa's biggest revamp in 21 years tackles the challenges of climate, pollution and extinction
Wednesday, 8 May 2019
Te Papa's nature exhibition revamp isn't just native plants and animals - it tackles the big issues of climate change, extinction and pollution.
Te Taiao Nature is the museum's biggest redevelopment since opening in 1998 and looks at topics not even recognised two decades ago.
Head of exhibition design and content Frith Williams said from the early stages of redesign Te Papa knew climate change had to feature.
'When I was overseas looking at the museums there, climate change wasn't even being looked at.'
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Facts and figures wouldn't cut it, so instead Te Papa is calling on visitors to make personal changes, Williams said.
An interactive exhibit asks visitors to make a pledge to change something in their lives which could help the environment.
The exhibition, which opens on Saturday, replaces Awesome Forces and Mountains to Sea at a price of $12 million.
On Wednesday afternoon, plastic wrap on some of the 1200 items was still being removed.
The space will permanently display hundreds and hundreds of items which have never been publicly shown.
Upon entry visitors are introduced to explorer Maui and invited to see New Zealand as he would have seen it.
That includes a full-sized model of the extinct Haast eagle, full-sized Moa skeleton models, a case of almost 700 native specimens and the fragrances of kiwi and kākāpō, and a petrel.
But as the visitor progresses to the end they may notice this exhibition isn't all rosy.
The interactive Climate Converter reveals the stark reality of farming and human life.
Another room, Te Kōhanga Nest, focuses on the overwhelming proportion of native birds which are facing extinction, or already gone.
Science curator Leon Perrie said people may become emotional when they see the greater proportion of species lost.
'It's seriously high, people are going to be surprised.'
Another new section, Ngā Kaitiaki Guardians, looks at how New Zealanders are working to become predator free and improve water quality - and battling climate change is at the core.
The towering Mauri Activation encourages people to become involved with the environment.
'If you want that abundance of life, you're going to have to work for it,' Perrie said.
Old favourites, a refreshed earthquake house, the pig, and the colossal squid are back on show.
Perrie said the squid's liquid had been refreshed so that it was easier to see.
Te Papa Chief Executive Geraint Martin said Te Taiao Nature was a museum experience for a 'new generation'.
'It celebrates the beauty, power and uniqueness of Aotearoa, and we hope it sparks action to protect the environment.'
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni will represent the Government at the blessing on Thursday.
The interweaving of indigenous knowledge with science was unique and 'will no doubt be recognised around the world as cutting edge', she said.
More than a hundred scientists have been involved, alongside Mātauranga Māori experts and dozens of creatives including model makers, taxidermists and animators.
Making Te Taiao Nature
March 2017: Te Papa team hosted by Kati Mahaki ki Makaawhio at Mahitahi, the place Māui first made landfall, inspiring the exhibition entrance.
November 2017: Collecting items on Tokelau, with locals at the frontline of climate change.
May 2018: Two giant albatross birds removed from freezer, placed in a chilly bin, and collected by the taxidermist.
July 2018: Colossal squid drained and refreshed with new fluid.
August 2018: Peacocks and turkeys, being killed as pests on local farms, supply feathers for the Haast's eagle model.
November 2018: Smells of kiwi, kākāpō, and petrel distilled by expert perfumer.
February 2019: Recording of dawn chorus birdsong on Kāpiti Island.
May 2019: Wellington tamariki perform a haka composed especially for the exhibition.