Libraries  |  8 Feb 2023

Share this story

A new visiting exhibition at Tūranga shines a light on New Zealand’s cutting edge space technologies and world-leading research.

Tūhura Tuarangi is an interactive, hands-on science roadshow developed by Tūhura Otago Museum. It will be held in the Level 1 TSB Space in Tūranga from Saturday 11 February until Sunday 26 February.

The exhibition features a space plane simulator, a 4-billion-year-old meteorite and interactive activities where children can build a satellite, launch a rocket and see the latest in clean, green fuel that could power the future of space travel.

Alongside its exploration of space technology, Tūhura Tuarangi will tell fascinating tales about how space has helped shape our understanding of our place on Earth.

The exhibition has interactive activities where children can build a satellite, launch a rocket and see the latest in clean, green fuel.

“When you’re from a small, isolated country, it’s easy to underestimate our role globally. We want the next generation of Kiwis to see what others have achieved already, and what is possible,” says Otago Museum Science Engagement Coordinator Dr Andrew Mills, who is leading the project.

“There is a huge and growing array of careers in the space sector in Aotearoa, and truly cutting-edge science underway. We want people to be inspired to take part in that.”

The exhibition follows on from a successful collaboration with Tūhura Otago Museum’s “Far from Frozen” exhibit that Tūranga hosted as part of the Days of Ice festival in October.

“The specialised knowledge that Otago Museum offers is so impressive and with this exhibition they make space technology accessible and fun for all ages, from primary-aged children through to adults. We hope as many people as possible will take advantage and visit,” Christchurch City Council Head of Libraries Carolyn Robertson says.

A number of special events will be taking place over the fortnight including a panel discussion from 6.30-7.30pm on Thursday 23 February, with presentations from Dawn Aerospace, Aerospace Christchurch and the University of Canterbury.

A weekday schools programme will also be held during this fortnight.

For further details on the exhibition and associated special events please see our website.