The gathering of Matariki series of talks – 19 locations Nationwide – 11 April – 25 May 2019

What

In the past two decades Matariki has become a nationwide phenomenon, with numerous events occurring each winter to celebrate the predawn rising of this star cluster. Our modern observation of Matariki is helping to embed this celebration within the consciousness of the general public, and it is becoming part of our wider Aotearoa identity.

Professor Rangi Matamua is Associate Dean Postgraduate at the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato. He is also a leading expert on Maori astronomy, and as the author of the bestselling book, ‘Matariki the Star of the Year’ he travels extensively throughout the country and internationally speaking about Matariki.

Rangi will give a two hour lecture that will include images, video and animations and detailed knowledge about Matariki, sharing his knowledge and highlighting connections between cultural knowledge and science.

When and Where

Blenheim | 11 April, Ūkaipō, Rangitāne Cultural Centre – register for Blenheim

Christchurch | 12 April, Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret’s College –  register for Christchurch

Dunedin | 18 April, St David’s Lecture Theatre, University of Otago –  register for Dunedin

Wellington | 23 April, Little Theatre, Lower Hutt –  register for Lower Hutt

Palmerston North | 24 April, Palmerston North Boys High School, Speirs Centre  – register for Palmerston North

Whanganui | 26  April, Whanganui Collegiate School, Prince Edward Auditorium – register for Whanganui

Napier |  27 April, the Ballroom, Napier Conference Centre –  register for Napier

Gisborne |  9 May, The War Memorial  –  register for Gisborne

Taupo |  10 May, Great Lakes Centre Theatre  –  register for Taupo

New Plymouth |  11 May, Devon Hotel (Hobson Room) – register for New Plymouth

Rotorua |  16 May, Millennium Hotel, Makoia Room –  register for Rotorua

Auckland |   17 May, BNZ Theare, Vodafone Events Centre Manuwera – register for Auckland

Hamilton |  23 May, Southwell School (auditorium) – register for Hamilton

Tauranga |  24 May, Baypark Arena – Arena Combined Suites –  register for Tauranga 

Whangarei |  25 May, Raumanga Campus – register for Whangarei

How Much

Free

These events are free to attend and you are welcome to turn up on the day. However, due to their expected popularity, please register to guarantee your seat(s)

More

Overview on Royal Society Webpage

Registration of individual events are above (in the When and Where section) or on the Royal Society website.

The Life and Times of Supervolcanoes – Nationwide – July-Sept 2018

What

‘The Life and Times of Supervolcanoes’ with 2017 Rutherford Medal recipient Professor Colin Wilson heads to 22 locations from Invercargill to Kaitaia from the end of July to early September. This nationwide tour is proudly presented by Royal Society Te Apārangi in partnership with GNS Science, EQC and Victoria University of Wellington.

There is no denying that as New Zealand sits astride the Indo-Australian and Pacific tectonic plates our land is subject to tremendous natural forces. We may commonly experience this as a gentle but sometimes a severe shuddering of earthquakes. Yet with Aotearoa dotted with cones and calderas, Kiwis should also keep in mind that the Taupō Eruption was actually the world’s most violent volcanic eruption in the last 5000 years!

Colin Wilson has gathered many accolades for studying volcanoes, and in particular, those giant examples known as supervolcanoes. He likens his work to that of a crime scene investigator, where he travels the world piecing together the dual puzzle of why such cataclysmic explosions occur and why they are joined by much smaller eruptions. He aims to forecast volcanic phenomena with enough warning so that communities can respond. But although Colin is digging deep in the Earth’s crust to find the triggering mechanisms, volcanic systems are not letting their secrets go easily…

When and Where

22 Towns and cities throughout New Zealand starting with Invercargill on July 22nd though to Wellington on September 12.

How Much

Free

More

Webpage with links to each Lecture