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 Great Kererū Count – Nationwide – 21-30 September 2018

What

The Great Kererū Count is NZ’s biggest citizen science project to help gather information on the abundance and distribution of the New Zealand pigeon — also known as kererū, kūkū or kūkupa.

Everyone in New Zealand can get involved with the Great Kererū Count, whether you see any kererū or not, sharing your observations with us will help build up a clearer picture of where the kererū live, how many there are and what they are feeding on.

The humble kererū is one of New Zealand’s most valuable assets when it comes to our native forests. Long before humans came to this country, kererū have been undertaking the largest plant restoration project the country has ever seen. Kererū are the only bird left in New Zealand that are able to swallow and disperse the seeds from our largest native trees such as tawa, taraire, pūriri and matai. Kererū can live for 21+ years and are essential for native bush regeneration. Their disappearance would be a disaster for our native forests.

This year we have 3 Options available with multiple ways to make your kererū observations – Computer, Laptops, Tablets and Smart Phones are all ways you can get your observations into us.

When and Where

21-30 September 2018

All over New Zealand

How Much

Free

More

The Great Kererū CountWebsite