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Trace-ing and re-constructing uha through digital and visual archival poetics

Esteemed scholar and writer Mere Taito explores the dormant Rotuman practice of uha.

Auckland Central Archaeology Unveiled

Beneath the bustling streets and modern skyline of Tāmaki Makaurau lie hidden stories and forgotten chapters relating to the people and places that shaped the city we know today. In this blog those stories are told through archaeological findings of Central Auckland.

Clarke, the Christmas critter collector

Though many of us may spend Christmas over-indulging and afternoon napping, one man had very different ambitions for his Noël. Charles E. Clark was a 1900s amateur entomologist and had a personal Christmas tradition of bug-hunting. Explore some of his festive findings in this blog by Melissa Kirk, R T Shannon Assistant Curator Entomology of the Natural Sciences team.

Seeing the connections with a Hiapo lens

Growing collections that connect with the communities of Tāmaki Makaurau is important gahua (work) here at the Museum. Adding items that can provide connection and inspiration relating to akau magafoa (genealogy), vagahau Niue (language) or koloa (cultural objects) is part of an ongoing conversation with community, artists and academics immersed in everything Niuean.

A taste of iTaukei plants

We all enjoy the bounty of botany everyday – perhaps without even realising it – in the form of our 5+ a day. While working on a research project in Fiji, Ricky-Lee Erickson and Yumiko Baba of our Natural Science team encountered a rich botanical diversity in a range of delicious forms. Read on to discover Fijian botany at its most flavourful.

Maria Island

Aotearoa is now a world leader in conservation and particularly protecting islands from the ravages of the invasive hordes, but did you know that it is in the Hauraki Gulf that the dream of a predator free New Zealand first began?

Entomology excursions

From urban streams, to the Waitakere bush, our Natural Sciences team have been getting hands on beyond the Museum's walls to help protect one of Auckland’s most previous taonga: the environment. Find out what the team have been up to, and how you can take part in an eco-initiative in your area.

Steminists working remotely

Rangitāhua expedition series

Recently returned from the Rangitāhua Islands, the multidisciplinary Expedition Kaharoa held a record number of female crew members. From voyage leader, small boat skippers and vessel officer, to analysing complex data, the 15 women onboard had diverse roles and responsibilities all contributing to the expedition's success.

The Tohoraha of Rangitāhua

Rangitāhua expedition series

Commercial whaling has had a devastating impact on the Oceania whale population, with fewer than 5% remaining. Now, the tohoraha (humpback whales) are returning to Rangitāhua, and we're thrilled to see more and more with each voyage to the Kermadec region.

Illuminating the depths

Rangitāhua expedition series

From the belly of the Tangaroa research vessel, a world is revealed. A science expedition to New Zealand’s most remote islands has exposed never before seen underwater forests and areas of the sea floor.

Seaweeds and the importance of home

Rangitāhua expedition series

Many things in our ocean can be called ‘sea-weeds’, but very rarely are they noxious or undesirable. In fact the abundance of seaweeds provides crucial habitat for many animals. Young turtles, fish, crabs, sharks and more, use seaweed environments as nurseries, while species of seahorses, fish, and shrimp will always call seaweeds home.

Monitoring beyond remote locations

Rangitāhua expedition series

How much more remote can you get than the Rangitāhua Islands? 1,000 meters to be precise. That's how deep some of the science equipment plunged as part of last year’s Te Mana o Rangitāhua expedition. Researchers Joe O’Callaghan, Sarah Searson and Arnaud Valcarcel used Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) monitors to understand the raw components of seas surrounding Rangitāhua.

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