September 19th, 2024
As the sun begins to set over the bustling city of Wellington, a world of shimmering scales, clicking claws and darting antennae awaits its audience at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
In the heart of the museum, marine biologists Rachael Peart and Kareen Schnabel have been meticulously arranging an exhibition that carries the scent of the sea and the secrets of its smallest inhabitants, according to a NIWA media release.
In a unique collaborative effort, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa are gearing up to introduce the world to the unsung heroes of the sea - crustaceans. Scheduled to open on the 22nd of May, the mini exhibition titled "Mawhiti Tino Rawe | Clever Crustaceans" will delve into the intriguing world of marine crustaceans, illustrating their peculiar traits and astounding adaptability.
"Crustaceans are arthropods, which means they have a segmented body and exoskeleton just like insects, so I love describing them as the 'insects of the sea'. They are captivating creatures. They have adapted to live an incredible variety of habitats, from beaches and shallows, all the way down to the deepest ocean trenches," explained Dr Kareen Schnabel, Marine Biologist, NIWA.
NIWA scientists Rachael Peart and Kareen Schnabel, along with Te Papa experts, have aimed to highlight the special abilities and significance of these crustaceans, which are often overlooked, despite being fundamental components of marine ecosystems.
Hosted in The Backyard of Te Papa’s Te Taiao | Nature exhibition, the experience features hands-on interactives and real specimens, making it a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. A special web hub offers an immersive digital deep dive, allowing individuals to further explore the fascinating world of these underwater marvels.
"We’re thrilled to be able to highlight these unsung heroes of our ecosystems. We want visitors to touch, explore and discover these weird and wonderful crustaceans of Aotearoa. We were inspired by the work of scientists to understand and protect these crustaceans and their homes, and we’re so excited to partner with NIWA on this special project," expressed Dan Parke, Exhibition Experience Developer at Te Papa.
According to Dr Rachael Peart, NIWA scientist, visitors will uncover the many superpowers of these creatures. From the shapeshifting kōura, that traverse long distances in the open ocean, to the swift hunting technique of the native mantis shrimp, and the remarkable eyesight of the open ocean Phronima amphipod, the exhibition promises to astound and inspire.