Fossils tour digs up the past
What does the first animal to have eyes have in common with the largest land carnivore ever to live?
They are both featured in the National Aquarium of New Zealand’s Fossil Tour. Visiting local Hawkes Bay primary schools during October and November, National Aquarium education officer Jake Brookie will be showing children fossils and bones from species long extinct, that were found all over the world, including Hawke’s Bay. “It’s very exciting. Effectively I will be bringing 530 million years of natural history into the classroom - except it’s condensed in two boxes,” he says.
The tour relates to International Fossils Day, now into its second year. The worldwide event is held on the 15th of October and aims to raise awareness of fossils around the world.
Not all fossils are as large and striking as the bone of a T-Rex. Fossil worm burrows and plankton can tell us just as much about a time long past, Jake explains. “Scientists use tiny plankton fossils to tell us about the ancient climate and the locations of fossils to discover how continents have moved. They may be millions of years old, but fossils are extremely relevant to science today.”
During each session students will be able to touch most of the fossils and related items, including a replica of the first dinosaur fossil found in New Zealand. Discovered by Joan Wiffen in 1975 in northern Hawke’s Bay, the bone transformed our understanding of ancient New Zealand and how dinosaurs migrated. The actual fossil now resides in Te Papa.
The inspiring story of how the local amateur fossil hunter rocked the scientific world will also be told.
Jake has also been visiting the Napier Libraries to show fossils as part of the October Holiday Programme.
Each school visit will be free and last for 30 minutes. To book a place for your school, e-mail Jakeb@nationalaquarium.co.nz.
6 October 2018
Build on the blossoming national and international interest in William Colenso's life and ideas as the result of the William Colenso Bicentenary Celebrations in Hawke's Bay in 2011, and a body of new publications and research.
Nowhere else in New Zealand will you discover a wider range of marine animals and native species in a single facility than at the National Aquarium of New Zealand.
We are Hawkes Bay's premier holiday accommodation park providing an array of facilities to keep the entire family entertained.
Comprising a Museum, Theatre and Gallery - MTG is home to a significant collection of objects that form the foundation of distinctive exhibitions, a world-class research facility and the MTG Theatre.
The Faraday Centre in Napier, is Hawke's Bay's Museum of Technology. It's a place of discovery where history comes alive through hands on experience.
We offer an all purpose built venue that uniquely combines spectacular outlooks with functional layout.
Strive to Inspire, Educate and Entertain by providing access to information through various resources within our Libraries. We aim to provide more than you expect.
Situated in the centre of Napier, in the middle of Onekawa Park, the Napier Aquatic Centre is a safe and affordable aquatic facility for everyone.
For Napier City residents and citizens to have easy access to see what council are currently working on, completed, what they do, facilities, and council information.
Located on Marine Parade, Napier, is the Bay Skate Park - home to skateboarding, BMX, roller derby, inline hockey and scootering.
Located in the Art Deco city of Napier. We have worked closely with our builders to promote and develop high quality housing within an open-aspect environment.
Come to Par2 MiniGolf and meet Seamore the Seagull at our sea-side minigolf courses. Challenge your friends and family for a round.
Visit the Napier i-SITE to find out more about what is happening in Hawkes Bay, from events, activities and accommodation.
Unique Art Deco heritage has been preserved with the skilful addition of modern theatre facilities making it the best provincial performing arts centre in the nation.