New Fossils Van with support from Watercare and Giltrap Group

Tamariki in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will have the opportunity to embark on an extraordinary journey into the prehistoric world, through a free school programme and a vibrant new fossil-themed van.

Ngā Mokonui (Dinosaur) programmes, delivered by Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum’s Learning team and funded by Watercare, teach tamariki about our prehistoric past, with dinosaur fossil replicas and specimens that have been found across Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa New Zealand. The programme can now be brought to schools thanks to a new Fossils Van, a Volkswagen Transporter decorated in fossils from the Museum’s collection, which has been generously sponsored by Giltrap Group for two years.

The educational partnership with Watercare and Auckland Museum was initiated following a remarkable discovery made by Watercare's Central Interceptor team. During an early phase of construction for the Central Interceptor, a five-metre-thick shell layer in the geological Kaawa formation was found some 35-metres-below ground. Hundreds of fossils, dating 3.5-million-years-old, were unearthed, including at least 10 new species, and are now housed in Auckland Museum’s collection.

Auckland Museum Tumu Whakarae Chief Executive David Reeves says “We are thrilled to partner with Watercare and Giltrap Group to bring the Fossils Van to fruition and take our educational programmes on the road. With our special fossil education offering, we can not only showcase the fascinating history found beneath our feet, but also emphasise the importance of scientific discovery and preservation. It's a unique opportunity for our tamariki to connect with the landscape around them.”

Giltrap Group Joint Managing Director Michael Giltrap says, "We believe in the power of education and the importance of preserving our natural heritage. Donating the Fossils Van to Auckland Museum for two years is Giltrap Group’s way of supporting the community and ensuring that more young minds are inspired by the incredible history of our land.”

Schools can experience this FREE programme on-site at Auckland Museum, or it can be brought direct to their classroom by the Fossils Van, bringing hands-on learning experiences to schools.  

Schools interested in participating in Auckland Museum’s education programme should visit learn.aucklandmuseum.com to make a free booking. 

For all media enquiries, interviews and images contact 
Samantha McKegg, Publicist, Auckland War Memorial Museum   
smckegg@aucklandmuseum.com| +64 21 458 353