The blog is where we'll post news, updates, information about objects in our collection, #betterworkstories, profiles of staff members and visitors, pictures and videos, and really anything we think you'd find interesting. We hope you enjoy.
If there's a topic you'd like us to do a post about, or a post that you think needs a sequel, just let us know!
Museum acknowledged for high standard of animal welfare
Otago Museum has been recognised for its high standards and appreciation of animal welfare with the Tropical Forest becoming the first and only butterfly enclosure in Australasia to achieve accreditation by the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA).
Current exhibition to bring Otago Museum textiles to life
A new exhibition developed by the Otago Museum and curated by Assistant Collection Manager, Humanities, Jamie Metzger, provides an inspirational and contemporary interpretation of selected items from the Museum’s collection. Current opens Saturday 18 March to coincide with the 2017 iD Dunedin Fashion Week...
New MoU between University and Museum
A redeveloped memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the University of Otago and Otago Museum is set to further invigorate already strong ties between the two institutions, stretching back nearly 150 years. Museum Director Dr Ian Griffin and University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne say the purpose of the new five-year MoU, which has just been signed, is to contribute to the research, teaching and community services of both institutions through collaborative activity. “From the University's perspective this is recognition of the knowledge, expertise and resources the Otago Museum offers,” says Professor Hayne. “We have often tapped into that in the past and this...
Treasured jewelled gecko returns to Otago
A jewelled gecko/moko-kākāriki has returned to Otago after being smuggled from its Otago Peninsula home into Germany three years ago.
Today the gecko was officially welcomed to its new home at Otago Museum by Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Museum staff, the Department of Conservation (DOC), Setpoint Solutions and other parties involved in its repatriation.
3D launching under the Perpetual Guardian Planetarium dome
Otago Museum’s Perpetual Guardian Planetarium will soon become the first 3D planetarium in the Southern Hemisphere with the launch of We are Stars - 3D on Saturday 17 December.
New Zealand’s oldest telescope discovered in Otago Museum collection
Otago Museum has discovered that it is home to what appears to be the oldest telescope in New Zealand.
Both the Otago Museum and Space Place in Wellington have telescopes within their collections made by James Short (1710–1768), a highly significant 18th century telescope maker, who studied classics, divinity and mathematics at Edinburgh University...
New categories in 2017 Otago Wildlife Photography Competition
The 18th annual Otago Wildlife Photography Competition, an Otago Museum institution, opens for entries on Monday 14 November 2016.
Last call for Otago Wildlife Photography favourites
With the Otago Museum’s 2016 Otago Wildlife Photography Exhibition drawing to a close this month, photography fans are reminded to get their vote in for their ‘People’s Choice’ before this is announced on Monday 10 October.
Recently acquired piupiu transferred in the name of collective conservation
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and the Otago Museum have recently been gifted a piupiu, a waist garment made from processed harakeke (flax), believed to be over 165 years old and one of the earliest examples of traditional Māori costume in Otago. The piupiu was initially donated to Toitū OSM by Jenny Morgan, great-granddaughter of Ralph Nicholson, who came to Otago on the ‘Titan’ in 1851. Nicholson worked for a time in Dunedin as a chemist before relocating to Tasmania in 1852, returning back to Otago in 1863. He was employed at the Mosgiel Woollen Company as an accountant and first secretary...
Hākui: Women of Kāi Tahu announced as Best Awards finalist
Otago Museum’s Hākui: Women of Kāi Tahu exhibition has been announced as a finalist in the Ngā Aho category of the Best Design Awards. The exhibition, which closed in May, shared the stories, achievements and legacies of respected Kāi Tahu wāhine – as seen from the perspective of kā uri whakatipu, today’s generations – through objects, photographs and memories. Interactive elements also featured, inviting visitors to step inside Aunty’s kitchen, hear the pronunciation of te reo Māori words and placenames, plait kāwai kete (kete handles), listen to interviews and waiata, share memories of the women in their own lives, and plenty more. The...
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Our blog aims to keep you informed of the latest happenings at the Otago Museum, through posts about our collections, our people and our work.
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The views expressed here are those of our individual contributors, and are not the views of the Otago Museum.
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