Space showcase taking off in Kaitāia

An interactive science programme that is literally out of this world is taking off in Kaitāia.

The Tūhura Tuarangi – Aotearoa in Space showcase, run by the Tūhura Otago Museum in Dunedin, is touring New Zealand and has touched down in the Atrium and Museum at Te Ahu, giving youngsters a chance to reach for the stars.

Kaitāia Primary School and Pukenui School were among the first of eight local schools to delve into the wonders of the universe at the event, which is in Te Reo Māori and English.

Visitors can build a satellite, launch a rocket, and learn how to create rocket fuel from water. Other experiences include holding a meteorite dating back 4.5 billion years and touching part of a Russian spacecraft. There is the opportunity to learn about our shared whakapapa in the night sky and explore Aotearoa’s connections to space that stretch back to the earliest Polynesian navigators.

As well as hands-on fun, virtual reality experiences take one giant leap into the solar system - and beyond.

Space technology will be on show with opportunities to learn about world-leading research going on in Aotearoa.

The showcase aims to help youngsters and their whānau get excited about space and science and even pursue space-related careers. But it’s not just school children who can enjoy the event. Families and space enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to head to Kaitāia to explore the universe.

The Te Ahu event is free and runs until August 12. Opening times are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Saturdays close at 1pm.  

Click here to find out more about the space showcase.

Photo: Students from Kaitāia Primary School and Pukenui School were among the first to delve into the wonders of the universe at Tūhura Tuarangi – Aotearoa in Space.