Touring exhibition – Rūaumoko: Restless land
07 December 2024 - 26 November 2026
Region(s): Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu- Whanganui, Wellington, Waikato, Bay of Plenty
Type(s): exhibitions
Te Papa and the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake are taking Rūaumoko: Restless land around Aotearoa New Zealand to promote natural hazard awareness and preparedness.
This touring exhibition uses mātauranga Māori and a scientific lens, and this hands-on, interactive exhibition delves into the realm of Rūaumoko, the atua of volcanoes and earthquakes, and the youngest child of Ranginui and Papatūānuku.
The story is told through the effects of Rūaumoko, his important contributions to living on the whenua, how we can be prepared, and the science involved.
You will be taken on a journey through interactive activities, tectonic plate models, volcanic rock samples, a shake table, and kōrero from Rūaumoko.
Tour schedule
Whanganui Regional Museum, Whanganui: 5 Aug–6 Nov 2026
Whirinaki Arts & Entertainment Centre, Upper Hutt: 13 Apr–2 Aug 2026
Taupō Museum, Taupō: 30 Jan–30 Mar 2026
Te Awamutu Museum, Te Awamutu: 23 Oct 2025–26 Jan 2026
Tauranga Library, Tauranga: 22 Aug–22 Oct 2025
Thames Museum, Thames: 19 Jun–19 Aug 2025
MTG Hawke’s Bay, Napier: 5 Mar–16 Jun 2025
Pātaka Art + Museum, Porirua: 7 Dec 2024–27 Feb 2025
For more information: www.tepapa.govt.nz/about/touring-exhibitions/touring-exhibition-ruaumoko-restless-land.
Download from Te Papa a free activity book for kids – focused on preparing for emergencies.
Related content
These two useful interactive planning pathways have collated various resources on earthquakes and volcanoes to make it easier for teachers to find relevant content. They each comprise an article and interactive that provide pedagogical advice and organise Hub resources into key science concepts and topics.
For more check out the wide range of resources under the Hub’s Mātauranga Māori, Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Disasters topics.