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A new series of feature exhibitions at Warkworth Museum called Dive into Our Marine World gives visitors the chance to soak up the marvels of marine life, and runs from now until August 17.
The schedule features two touring exhibitions from Te Papa Tongarewa – Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa), Clever Crustaceans and Freaky Features Colossal Squid, and is supported by a local showcase, Mahurangi Moana.
Museum manager Victoria Joule says they wanted to bring a bit of Te Papa to Warkworth.
“The exhibitions will be captivating for both adults and children,” she says,
“We’ve got six school visits already booked in and we’re open over the school holidays. Along with all the exhibits, we’ve got activity books for the kids, plus hands-on things for them to do such as making your own sea creature,” she says.
Te Papa touring exhibitions manager Jake Yocum says Clever Crustaceans was developed in collaboration with NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) and is a science-based exhibition that everyone can enjoy.
“The entire premise behind the show is just how incredible crustaceans are. They’re like a Swiss Army Knife. They have extremely strong claws, elements of disguise and adaptability. That’s a big part of why it’s called Clever Crustaceans,” he says.
“There’s interactive elements to the exhibition, but there’s also an educational aspect. It’s a great way for people to learn about our diverse marine life.”
He adds, “Shows like this are really good for small venues because it gives them the scope to build around it. We deliver one part and then the venue has the opportunity to expand on it, which is really cool.
“So Warkworth Museum has created an absolutely stunning display called Mahurangi Moana. It’s built around what we’ve provided and turned it into a larger exhibition.”
Importantly, it’s been community-driven, he says.
Multiple conservation groups contributed, Couldrey House at Wenderholm Regional Park and the NZ Maritime Museum loaned the museum exhibits, while the Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade helped with the installation of Clever Crustaceans.
Now the series is ready to make a splash.
Dive into Our Marine World series at the museum
The three individual exhibitions are:
Mawhiti Tino Rawe – Clever Crustaceans (Te Papa and NIWA) – a playful exploration of the bizarre and diverse world of five marine crustaceans, until July 8.
Freaky Features Colossal Squid Ngu Tipua (Te Papa) – showcases parts of the complete iconic specimen on permanent display at Te Papa, from July 9 to August 17.
Mahurangi Moana (organised by museum volunteers and local conservation groups) – an interactive exhibition designed to ignite curiosity about New Zealand’s marine ecosystems, until August 17.
