Taniwha!
From Erth, the creators of the sold-out Dinosaur Petting Zoo comes Taniwha!

A massive, five metre tall, “living” taniwha is taking up residence in the Museum's Atrium this Queen's Birthday weekend - and we invite you come along to its unveiling to see it up close and hear the incredible creature’s age old stories.

10.30am, 11.30am, 2pm & 3pm
Saturday 4, Sunday 5 & Monday 6 June
Atrium. FREE.

Read more here>>

to follow Late: What is the Meaning of Matariki?
Smart Talk
Why does every culture in the world observe Matariki and what makes our own celebration of Matariki unique? This LATE we discuss the traditions of Matariki and the place of this festival within contemporary culture.
The panel features Te Ahukaramu Charles Royal, Pita Turei, Haare Williams, Whirimako Black with moderator Kirk Torrance.

Great Music
Matariki LATE will open with a performance from pianist Charles Royal, violinist Elena and baritone Howard McGuire. Following the discussion we welcome a performance from Whirimako Black and band.

6.30pm, Thursday 2 June
Grand Foyer entrance
$20 (booking fee applies), members' special: 2-for-1 tickets

Read more and book tickets here>>

Image courtesy Michael Ng New World Matariki
Wananga-a-Kai
A new event on the Matariki Festival calendar, the New World Matariki Wananga-a-kai will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about and enjoy traditional Maori kai (food) through a series of live cooking
demonstrations and tastings with Mana Kai television chef Rewi Spraggon.

Tue 7 & Wed 8 June
6.30pm - 9pm
Grand Foyer & Maori Court
Free - registration essential: phone 09 306 7048 or email rsvp@aucklandmuseum.com

Read about Matariki at Auckland Museum here>>

to follow Exciting Discoveries in the Kermadecs
It's almost time for our marine team to return from their three-week expedition to the Kermadec Islands but they have made some incredible discoveries along the way. They got off to a good start with their first specimen - a flying fish - making its own way on to the deck of their ship, the Braveheart.
Since that first fish they have collected over 100 different species and recorded a further 40 in the waters around the remote islands, 1000km north east of New Zealand. They have also discovered some species that had never been seen in New Zealand waters before including a zebra lionfish, a saddled snake eel and a trigger fish. Lots of the fish they have discovered will become part of Auckland Museum's permanent collections - so we look forward to coming face-to-face with them one day!

Read the latest blog entries here>>

ENDS

© Scoop Media