National Whale Centre launching with heart

National Whale Centre launching with heart

October 15, 2014: A colossal life-size replica of a blue whale (the largest mammal on the planet) heart is heading for the Picton Ferry Terminal soon.

The massive 300 kilogram, 3 metre-long, model heart is big enough for children to crawl inside and view video displays.

The heart, which is one of Te Papa Tongarewa’s most popular exhibits, has been loaned to the National Whale Centre (NWC) Trust by the National museum to herald the forthcoming opening of the NWC Display and Development Hub in the town from November 15 to December 7.

“We are so excited to get the heart. It is a great example of one strand of interactive displays for kids we aim to install in the NWC Hub. We’re very grateful to Te Papa Tongarewa and to the Interislander for their help in transporting and housing the heart,” says NWC says project director Luit Bieringa.

Mr Bieringa says the heart display will launch a programme of events and activities scheduled to run from November 15 to December 21. Details of the programme will be published in local media soon.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman says he’s pleased to see the National Whale Centre making such good progress.

“I am proud to see a locally-initiated, national institution growing in Marlborough. The National Whale Centre will bring cultural, educational and economic benefits to our region. It will be a valuable addition to our many other attractions,” comments Mayor Sowman.

NWC Trust Chair, Nick Gerritsen says the whale heart is focused on kids’ experience - they are the future guardians of our natural world and the whale heart gives them an idea of the scale of these whale creatures - but in a fun and educative manner.

“While the heart is on show in Picton we invite Marlborough families to come down and check it out - it's awesome!” says Gerritsen.

The NWC Trust aims give a future to the past by telling the stories of New Zealand’s sealing and whaling history as well as current whale and dolphin (cetaceans) conservation efforts. The National Whale Centre will be a display and information hub linking up locally, nationally and globally with kindred organisations.

The Trust aims to build an iconic, interactive space on Picton’s waterfront for visitors to learn more about cetaceans and the local area’s whaling history through temporary exhibitions and events. The NWC’s Display and Development Hub is phase one of its development as a national institution based in Picton.

www.aworldwithwhales.com
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