Te Papa’s new Collections site launches – get hunting
It’s hugely exciting to announce that Te Papa’s new Collections site launches today. Fiona Moorhead, Collections Information System Manager, introduces what’s new.Read more
2017-09-15
Myosotis hunting in the deep south
Field work is a key part of scientific research at Te Papa. Each year, Research Scientist Heidi Meudt spends about three weeks in the field collecting specimens for her taxonomic research on native New Zealand Myosotis. In December 2016, she recently traveled to the southern South Island and Stewart Island together with CollectionRead more
2017-09-13
Extracting DNA from dried plants – with an eraser
Until now, it hasn’t been possible to get the DNA out of a pressed dried plant (herbarium specimen) without destroying part of it by removing a leaf and grinding it up. But new research by scientist Lara Shepherd has proven that you can use an eraser to ‘rub off’ the DNA.Read more
2017-09-11
‘Democracy only works if we participate’: Women across Te Papa talk about their voting experiences
Next year will mark the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Aotearoa. Given that we are in an election year, we thought it timely to think about voting so we have asked women across Te Papa to reflect on their experiences with voting. Today is the second in a series ofRead more
2017-09-08
We need you to help bring Leslie Adkin’s diaries to life
We’re asking for volunteers to transcribe Leslie’s dairies from October 1917, just after he was conscripted to serve in the army, through to the end of the conflict in November 1918.Read more
2017-09-07
Kōwhai seeds on Kermadec and Chatham Islands’ beaches
Recent research led by scientist Lara Shepherd used DNA sequencing to examine the origins of kōwhai seeds found on the beaches of the Chatham and Kermadec Islands.Read more
2017-09-04
Faces in the crowd: Zooming in on our photography collection
If you look close enough you might find things you missed, and uncover characters hidden in plain sight.Read more
2017-09-04
‘Your vote could make all the difference’: Women across Te Papa talk about their voting experiences
Next year will mark the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Aotearoa. Given that we are in an election year, we thought it timely to think about voting so we have asked women across Te Papa to reflect on their experiences with voting. Today is the first in a seriesRead more
2017-09-01
Kōwhai’s global family tree
The distribution of kōwhai and its close relatives throughout the Southern Hemisphere has intrigued scientists, including Charles Darwin, for over 150 years. Recent research led by Lara Shepherd has revealed more about the relationships among this iconic group of plants.Read more
2017-08-30
Metamorphosis and pineapples: The illustrations of Maria Sibylla Merian
Who was Maria Sibylla Merian? Librarian Christine Kiddey uncovers the fascinating story of the woman behind the remarkable The Surinam Album, full of lavish illustrations of flora and fauna from the former Dutch colony of Suriname in South America.Read more
2017-08-29
The body as a nursery: a wētā’s grim end
Despite appearances, this is not a mutant tree wētā. The coils emerging from the rear of the wētā belong to one or more Gordian (or horsehair) worms. Bug expert Dr Phil Sirvid explains the bizarre behaviour of this parasitic worm and why this specimen is a tour favourite.Read more
2017-08-28
Five artworks for people who should be doing chores instead of looking at art
Do you currently have a long list of things you need to do around the house? Modern art curator Chelsea Nichols helps you procrastinate a little longer with five artworks from Te Papa’s collection. Chore #1: Cleaning the house Is your home full of stubborn grease and dirt? Well, BillRead more
2017-08-24
Help us identify some 17th century butterflies, moths, and bugs
Think you know your bugs? Art curator Dr Mark Stocker has been working on a project along with our bug experts, Dr Phil Sirvid and Dr Julia Kasper, to identify a number of butterflies, moths, and other insects (including a snail) in some 17th century printsRead more
2017-08-23
Garments as canvases and zero waste design: The work of Greta Menzies
What comes to mind when you think of textile design? Fashion? Furnishing? Cloth? Curatorial intern Sonya Withers looks at the work of Greta Menzies. Textile designers are hard to pin, as their practice can span multiple mediums, spaces, and creative thinking. International examples have shown technical experimentation in the defenceRead more
2017-08-18
Len Wesney, photographer (1946–2017)
Athol McCredie, Curator Photography, reflects on the life of New Zealand photographer Len Wesney.Read more
2017-08-17