Fossils Rock!!!

News Release

25 October 2007

FOSSILS ROCK!!

A major exhibition featuring New Zealand fossils – some dating back 500 million years – starts a three-year tour of New Zealand museums at Puke Ariki on Friday 26 October. Called NZ Fossils: Dead Precious! This interesting exhibition shows New Zealand fossils as indicators and predictors of climate change, evolution, natural disasters, and resources such as mineral deposits and oil and gas.

The exhibition, developed by GNS Science with principal partner Shell New Zealand,
features 50 fossils, chosen from the many thousands of specimens available, that tell important stories about who we are and the planet we live on.

GNS Science chief executive Dr Alex Malahoff said, “It’s not just about showing beautiful objects that are extraordinarily old. It underlines the significance of fossils to our daily lives and to our economy.”

“Fossils record the quality and quantity of life, the big environmental events that have changed the world, and the continued evolution of plants and animals. The exhibition is also about making science accessible and transparent and showing the contribution that science makes to New Zealand,” says Dr Malahoff.

Many of the fossils are marine in origin, reflecting New Zealand’s watery history. This includes the remains of marine reptiles, whales, and sharks. All the main periods of New Zealand’s geological time are represented in the exhibition.

Manager Puke Ariki, Bill Macnaught says, “Environmental education is increasingly important for us and the NZ Fossils exhibition at Puke Ariki ties in beautifully. The Elasmosaur fossil is inspirational! Everyone who looks at it is bound to wonder about the environmental changes that killed off this species that dominated the seas for over 100 million years.”

Mr Macnaught continues, “With my Scottish background I know some people believe the Loch Ness Monster is a relative of the Elasmosaur. Personally, I think this exhibition is the closest you are likely to get to the Monster!”

The oldest fossils on show are 500 million-year-old trilobites that were found in northwest Nelson. These were small crustaceans related to modern-day crabs and shrimps. They tell a story of what New Zealand was like half a billion years ago.
The youngest fossil is a moa bone less than one million years old. Many of the fossils will be seen in public for the first time. Although fossils are central to the exhibition, it is really about how people make use of fossils to solve problems and advance our knowledge of the Earth.

Shell New Zealand Country Chair Rob Jager said fossils were extremely precious and played an important role in decision-making in the oil and gas exploration business.

“This exhibition brings to life an archive of New Zealand’s ancient biodiversity, and truly celebrates the influence that fossils have in our business – past, present, and future.

“Shell is delighted to partner with GNS Science, and to embark on sharing the New Zealand fossil story over the next few years.”

The exhibition is expected to be seen by about 150,000 people during its three-year tour of New Zealand. After Puke Ariki in New Plymouth it will travel to Rotorua, Napier, Invercargill, Otago, Christchurch, and Nelson. The exhibition is supported by Joule, the University of Otago, and International Year of Planet Earth.

NZ Fossils: Dead Precious!
26 October – 10 February 08
Main Exhibitions Gallery, Puke Ariki
Admission: $6.00 Adults. Puke Ariki cardholders and children under 16 free
ENDS

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