Zombie Tag, Minecraft And All Things Apocalyptic

Summer Holidays with Zombie Tag, Minecraft And All Things Apocalyptic

Remember the Y2K scare back in 2000 when many thought the world’s major computer systems would crash and herald the end life on earth as we knew it? Or the more recent apocalyptic predictions of 2012 based on the Mayan calendar completing a cycle? So far, these and many other doomsday scenarios have all had one thing in common – they failed to happen!

But now we are facing a new year and who knows what challenges it may bring? There’s no better time or place to reflect on possible world-ending catastrophes than at MOTAT’s January‘Apocalypse How?’ holiday experience. Join in the fun when the Museum takes a light-hearted look at the end of the world and beyond. Each week there will be a different theme as visitors tackle a range of theoretical catastrophes from natural to man-made disasters such as war to microscopic invasion and even threats from outer space.

MOTAT’s Experience Coordinator, Andrew McCartney, describes the programme as dynamic and alternative; something different to what the Museum has done before. “It’s designed to encourage thought around apocalyptic scenarios and develop an understanding of history, scientific principles and practical skills,” he says.

“Human beings have been fascinated with the end of the world for centuries. Our hands-on activities will explore not only the possible calamities but also why people are so interested in the subject.”

Here’s a line-up of what to expect at ‘Apocalypse How?’ these summer holidays:

Week 1 (4-10 Jan): ‘The Human Factor’ examines man-made scenarios such as new technologies and warfare. Only time will tell if humanity will prosper in a brighter future or become the architect of its own demise! Here’s the chance to witness survival demonstrations and practice your own skills.

Week 2 (11-17 Jan): ‘Extinction Earth’ investigates the immense power of nature and the catastrophes it can cause. Could the end come through a super-volcano, mega-tsunami or extreme runaway climate change? Take a closer look at the way we treat the planet while building your own ‘throw-n-grow’ seed-bombs as well as a terrarium.

Week 3 (18-24 Jan): ‘Microscopic Menaces’ reveals how not all apocalyptic scenarios are massive events, sometimes the tiniest virus or bacteria can wreak the worst havoc. Explore global pandemics and get a bit grossed out by MOTAT’s ‘poos through time’ activity teaching visitors about the eating habits of humans through the ages.

Week 4 (25 -31 Jan): ‘Doom from the Black Beyond’ turns our eyes to the skies, as it studies world-ending scenarios from outer space. From rogue planets to black holes, the vast gulf of space contains many perils. Discover the ways humans are already surveying the galaxy and make your own nebula in a bottle to take home.

This apocalyptic theme can also be experienced in the Museum’s brand new ‘Survivor: MOTAT Minecraft Workshops’ on 18, 19 and 20 January. As part of a small group who have miraculously survived the devastation of the world, workshop participants will be tasked with finding safety in MOTAT’s Pumphouse in a custom designed Minecraft world. They will need to fortify its walls from relentless zombie attacks, establish food and water supplies and take control of the wastelands as they build a post-apocalyptic future. This will require team work and survival strategies.

Further to this, there are two special doomsday-themed event days planned during January: ‘Welcome to the Post Apocalypse’ and ‘Outbreak: MOTAT!’

‘Welcome to the Post Apocalypse’ is a festival style event taking place throughout the day on Sunday 10 January. It’s a celebration of all things post-apocalyptic and visitors are encouraged to come dressed in their wasteland best to enjoy the dance, music, art and bicycle jousting displays.

For those who dare, ‘Outbreak: MOTAT!’ will see visitors attempting to survive a zombie outbreak in an action packed game of tag like no other on Saturday 23 January. The humans, armed with dart blasters and foam boffers, must complete their mission while attempting to evade the zombies trying to infect them.

Of course, history suggests that 2016 will come and go like every other year with barely a glitch on the global scale. So will any of these doomsday theories ever come to pass? No one knows but MOTAT is certainly going to have loads of interactive fun exploring the possibilities these holidays!

Notes:

APOCALYPSE HOW? MOTAT HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
Dates: Monday 4 January – Sunday 31 January
Times: 10am – 5pm
Normal MOTAT admission fees apply for ‘Apocalypse How?’
For more information: Phone 0800 MOTATNZ (0800 668 286) or visit www.motat.org.nz

WELCOME TO THE POST APOCALYPSE
Date: Sunday 10 January
Times: 10am - 4:30pm
Normal MOTAT admission fees apply for ‘Welcome to the Post Apocalypse’
For more information: Phone 0800 MOTATNZ (0800 668 286) or visit www.motat.org.nz

OUTBREAK: MOTAT!
Date: Saturday 23 January
Times: 10am - 4:30pm, the game will start at 1pm and all contestant need to check in before this Between 10am and 1pm there will be more apocalypse-themed fun
Venue: The MOTAT Aviation Display Hall in Meola Road
Cost: $10 per player
Ages: 14 years+
Bookings essential at www.motat.org.nz. Phone 0800 MOTATNZ (0800 668 286)

SURVIVOR: MOTAT - MINECRAFT WORKSHOP
Dates: 18, 19 and 20 January
Enrol for one day or all three, each workshop is stand-alone
Times: 10am - 2pm
Cost: $55 per person per session plus booking fees
Ages: 8 – 18 years
Bookings essential at www.motat.org.nz. Phone 0800 MOTATNZ (0800 668 286)

ENDS

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