Summer Fun at Te Papa

Thursday 2 December 2005

Summer Fun at Te Papa

There’s a feast of things to do at Te Papa this holiday season – Christmas music, game days, fascinating talks, The Summer Jams, a Carnevale, Discovery Hours for kids, and much more.

The replica of Burt Munro’s 1962 record-breaking bike – the ‘Munro Special’ Indian Scout – as featured in the great kiwi movie The World’s Fastest Indian will be on display from 5 December 2005 – 16 January 2006 in Te Papa’s Wellington Foyer.

In early December the beautiful Christmas Tree arrives in the Wellington Foyer, this year celebrating New Zealand’s biodiversity. You can bring a gift to go under the tree – it will go to Variety, The Children’s Charity. Time your visit to coincide with a delightful performance from one of the many choirs, singers, and groups performing in our Christmas Festival.

A Forensics Day (especially good for CSI fans!) looks at how recent developments have revolutionised crime-solving. And several days of Genetic Revolution Games offer challenges and a little competition for the kids – there’ll be prizes too.

For history lovers, there’s a floortalk in the fascinating exhibition Stamped: Celebrating New Zealand’s postal history on December 10, while on January 15, Michael Sefi, the Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection returns to give ‘An Inside View’.

Thursdays through January feature The Summer Jams. Running from 3pm - 8pm, they’re a great day out for all the family with live performances (jazz, comedy, a Latin Fiesta, a dub set) and good food and drink, including barbecues.

For another awesome family day, come along to the Italian Carnevale on January 14, where you’ll find dress-ups, mask-making, Italian storytelling, and a Discovery Hour called Art Detective.

Te Papa’s four themed Discovery Centres are packed with games, activities, books, computer fun, and more. Also watch out for the special $2 craft activities in Discovery Centres during the weekends and over the summer – from making a Christmas cracker to creating a dinosaur finger puppet!

January also offers you your last chance to catch three great exhibitions that are closing at Te Papa during the month – New Zealand In Bloom: Commercial of Bernard Roundhill and Stamped: Celebrating New Zealand’s Postal History on the15th and The Genetic Revolution on the 23rd.

At the end of January, it’s time to welcome the start of the Chinese New Year with a variety performance from the Wellington New Zealand Chinese Friendship Association.

Te Papa DECEMBER/JANUARY EVENTS PROGRAMME

DECEMBER

Saturday 3
11am–12 noon: Create a photo keyring. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.
11am–12 noon: The Genetic Revolution ‘Promise and Peril’ lecture series – Media Coverage of Human Genetic Research: How Journalists Report Hopes, Fears, and Futures. Explore the rhetoric that’s used to push forward specific agenda; hear more about the dramatic narratives and iconic images – with Jenny Kitzinger, Professor of Media and Communication Research, Cardiff University. Rangimarie Rooms 1 & 2. Free entry.

International Day of Disabled Persons
12.30pm–2pm: The Genetic Revolution ‘Promise and Peril’ lecture series – Disability, Biotechnology, and the Good Life. Christopher Newell from the School of Medicine in Tasmania will discuss the complex challenges arising from developments in biotechnology that affect people with disabilities: ‘Which of us does not wish for treatments that will alleviate symptoms. Yet many of the biotechnologies seem premised on disabilities as undesirable, inherently negative.’ Followed by discussion. Rangimarie Rooms, Level 3. Free entry.
2.15pm–4.30pm: Celebrating the Good Life. Come along for an enjoyable afternoon of screenings, a panel discussion, and dance performance. Rangimarie Rooms, Level 3, and The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Sunday 4
11am–12 noon: Make a turtle fridge magnet. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.
1pm–2.15pm: The Genetic Revolution ‘Promise and Peril’ lecture series – Science and the Public. Hear the latest thinking on how to improve the way the general public is engaged in decisions about science. From Rob Evans, Cardiff University, and Professor Brian Wynne, Lancaster University, with discussion time. Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.
2.30pm–3.30pm: The Genetic Revolution ‘Promise and Peril’ lecture series – Indigenous Peoples and Biocolonialism: Genetics and Justice in the Twenty-first Century. Hear two short lectures (from Debra Harry, executive director of the Indigenous Peoples Council on Biocolonialism, US, and tbc) then join in a discussion on the impact of new genetic technologies on indigenous peoples. Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

Tuesday 6
10am–6pm: Te Papa’s Christmas tree. From now until Christmas Eve you can bring a gift to go under this beautiful tree. Gifts will go to Variety, The Children’s Charity, helping kiwi kids in need this Christmas. We will wrap your gift for you. This year, the Te Papa Christmas tree celebrates New Zealand’s biodiversity – in conjunction with the exhibition The Genetic Revolution. Wellington Foyer, Level 2.

Friday 9
6pm–7.15pm: Master and Pupil. Hear two extraordinary musicians, Uwe Grodd and Matteo Napoli, play new editions of stunning works for flute and piano by Beethoven and his pupil Ferdinand Ries. Tickets cost $20, book through Ticketek, ph 384 3840, or online at www.ticketek.co.nz.

Saturday 10
11am–12 noon: Design your own monster door-hanger. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.
11.30am–12 noon & 1.30pm–2pm: Stamped: Celebrating New Zealand’s postal history floortalk. Join Jenny and Norman Banfield, both international exhibitors, for a walk through this fascinating exhibition. This floortalk was organised with the help of the New Zealand Philatelic Federation. Meet at the entrance to the exhibition, Level 5. Free entry.
1.30pm–3.30pm: Discovery Hour: Bring a Bug Day. Hey kids! Join Te Papa’s entomologists Phil Sirvid and Ricardo Palma – they’ll identify your bugs and tell you interesting stuff about them! NatureSpace, Level 2. Free entry.

Sunday 11
Forensics Day. Calling all CSI fans and crime-busters! Here’s your chance to find out more about forensics and how recent developments have revolutionised crime-solving. In conjunction with the exhibition The Genetic Revolution. Check our website (www.tepapa.govt.nz) for more details. Throughout Te Papa. Free entry.
11am--–2pm: Forensics Day Crime Scene!
Some of New Zealand’s leading forensic scientists join forces with Wellington Police to bring you insights into their fascinating professions. You can see some of the latest crime-solving techniques in action including lab testing for blood traces and body fluids and boot-print lifting. Come and be fingerprinted by police and watch our scientists at work in a realistic crime scene. The Concourse, Level 3. Free entry.
2pm–3pm: Chemistry and Crime
Glenys Knight, Forensic Scientist, gives a rare insight into the chemistry behind crime-solving. Don’t miss this fascinating talk and accompanying demonstrations.
Warning: The content of this presentation is not suitable for small children and may disturb some people.
Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

11am–12 noon: Make a Christmas räkau (tree) decoration. Te Huka â Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.
11am–12 noon: Make a yuletide wreath. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.
Saturday 17–Saturday 24: Christmas cheer!
Throughout this week you’ll hear some of Wellington’s best vocal groups perform favourite carols. As well, there’s a brass quintet and Zappo the Magician.

Saturday 17
2pm–3pm: Titan Hutt City Brass. Wellington Foyer, Level 2.

Sunday 18
11am–12 noon: Decorate a Pasifika Christmas kaati (card). PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.
3pm–3.45pm: Ben Makisi live! Seize a rare chance to see this internationally acclaimed, award-winning opera star in a live local performance. Of Samoan/Tongan descent, Ben was a semi-finalist at this year’s Francesco Vinas international competition in Barcelona, Spain. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Monday 19
12 noon–2.45pm: Phoenix Choir. The Marae, Level 4.
1pm–2pm: Wellington City Chorus. Roaming event.

Tuesday 20
12 noon–2.45pm: Orpheus Choir. The Marae, Level 4.
1.30pm–2.30pm: Quintessential Brass. Roaming event.

Wednesday 21
11am–12 noon: Make a Christmas cracker. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.
11am–12 noon: Nota Bene. Signs of a Nation, Level 4.
12 noon–12.45: Faultline Chorus. Wellington Foyer, Level 2.
1pm–2pm: Wellington City Chorus. Roaming event.

Thursday 22
11am–12 noon: Make a Christmas räkau (tree). Te Huka â Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.
11am–12 noon: Nota Bene. Signs of a Nation, Level 4.
12 noon–1pm: Zappo the Magician. The Marae, Level 4.

Friday 23
12 noon–1pm: Vocal Accord. Roaming event.

Saturday 24
11am–12 noon: Design your own Christmas stocking. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.
1pm–2pm: Nota Bene. The Marae, Level 4.

Sunday 25
11am–12 noon: Make a Christmas badge. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.

Monday 26
11am–12 noon: Create a 3-D butterfly card. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.

Monday 26 – Thursday 29 December 2005
11am-1pm: Genetic Revolution Games. Hey kids! Ready for some challenges and a little competition? Come and play at the Genetic Revolution Games - includes a giant board game and Genes Decide. Plenty of fun and prizes! In conjunction with the exhibition The Genetic Revolution. The Amphitheatre, Level 1 (wet weather venue The Marae, Level 4). Free entry.

Tuesday 27
11am–12 noon: Make a poi brooch. Te Huka â Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.

Wednesday 28
11am–12 noon: Design a paperbag puppet. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.

Thursday 29
11am–12 noon: Make a Pasifika New Year calendar. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.

Friday 30
12 noon-1pm: Liveitup Dance Workshop. Hey kids! Come along to a free workshop of hip hop and urban dance with Liveitup Dance Studios. Great for beginners or to learn new moves. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Friday 30 – Saturday 31 December
1.30pm-2.30pm: Genetic Revolution Games. Hey kids! Ready for some challenges and a little competition? Come and play at the Genetic Revolution Games - includes a giant board game and the Genes Decide game. Plenty of fun and prizes! In conjunction with the exhibition The Genetic Revolution. The Amphitheatre, Level 1 (wet weather venue The Marae, Level 4). Free entry.

Saturday 31
11am–12 noon: Create a New Year pötae (hat). Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.
12 noon–1pm: Liveitup Dance Workshop. Hey kids! Come along to a free workshop of hip hop and urban dance with Liveitup Dance Studios. Great for beginners or to learn new moves. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

JANUARY

Sunday 1
11am–12 noon: Create a cool kete (bag). Te Huka â Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.
1.30pm–3pm: Make a beaky bird mask. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2

Monday 2
11am–12 noon: Make a New Zealand native bird badge. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.
1.30pm–3pm: Make a jolly jandal brooch. Planet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.

Tuesday 3
11am–12 noon: Decorate a holiday postcard. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.
1.30pm–3pm: Weave a tukutuku (lattice work) bookmark. Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.

Wednesday 4
11am–12 noon: Weave a Pasifika placemat. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.

Thursday 5
11am–12 noon: Make a taniwha (ogre) mask. Te Huka â Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.

3pm–8pm: Te Papa Summer Jams Thursday 5, 12, 19 & 26.
See local and national talent at these awesome days of great performances – includes The Jazz Sessions, The Latin Fiesta, The Dub Sets, and The Comedy Gala. As well, enjoy barbecues, good food and drink, and loads of fun for the whole family. Check the website for details, www.tepapa.govt.nz.
The Amphitheatre, Level 1 (if wet, venue will be inside Te Papa). Free entry.

Saturday 7
11am–12 noon: Decorate your own stamp box. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.
11.45am–12.30pm: Georgia Jamieson Emms. Hear this talented singer explore the songwriting genius of Stephen Sondheim in a presentation of contemporary and classical pieces. Accompanied by Hugh McMillan. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Sunday 8
11am–12 noon: Make a fabulous fishing game. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.
11.45am–12.30pm: Georgia Jamieson Emms. Hear this talented singer explore the songwriting genius of Stephen Sondheim in a presentation of contemporary and classical pieces. Accompanied by Hugh McMillan. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Tuesday 10
11am–12 noon: Create a dinosaur finger puppet. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.

Wednesday 11
11am–12 noon: Make a koru mobile. Te Huka â Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.

Thursday 12
11am–12 noon: Make your own fiti (pick-up sticks) game. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.
3pm–8pm: Te Papa Summer Jams
See local and national talent at these awesome days of great performances – includes The Jazz Sessions, The Latin Fiesta, The Dub Sets, and The Comedy Gala. As well, enjoy barbecues, good food and drink, and loads of fun for the whole family. Check the website for details, www.tepapa.govt.nz. The Amphitheatre, Level 1 (if wet, venue will be inside Te Papa). Free entry.

Saturday 14
ITALIAN CARNEVALE FAMILY DAY!
Inspiration Station, Level 4. All events free entry unless noted.
10am–4pm: Massive mosaic! Get creative and contribute to our all-day massive Italian mosaic.
10am–11am: Make your own artistic Italian family badge. Cost $2.
10am–11am: Carnevale face painting.
11am–12 noon: Create a Venetian Carnevale mask. Cost $2.
12 noon–1 pm: Dress up like a Roman emperor or Renaissance lady and have your photo taken in costume.
1pm–2pm: Italian storytelling - hear Italian folktales told by Soul Food Tellers.
1pm–2pm: Carnevale face painting. Free entry.
2pm–3pm Discovery Hour: Art Detective! Hear about painting conservation with Te Papa expert Carolina Izzo, and discover the hidden layers and meanings in Italian paintings. Then practise being a restorer and complete the missing part of a picture to win great prizes!
3pm–4pm: Games and prizes, and Carnevale face painting.

Sunday 15
New Zealand in Bloom: The commercial art of Bernard Roundill, and Stamped: Celebrating New Zealand’s postal history close!
11am–12 noon: Make a flying toroa (albatross). NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.
2pm–3pm: The Royal Philatelic Collection: An Inside View. The Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection, Michael Sefi, will discuss his work with one of the greatest stamp collections in the world. He’ll look at King George V’s collecting objectives and describe current issues facing the Collection. In conjunction with the exhibition Stamped: Celebrating New Zealand’s postal history. Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

Monday 16
1.30pm–3.30pm: Discovery Hour: Bring a Bug Day. Hey kids! Join Te Papa’s entomologists Phil Sirvid and Ricardo Palma – they’ll identify your bugs and tell you interesting stuff about them! NatureSpace, Level 2. Free entry.

Tuesday 17
11am–12 noon: Make a tümeke (cool) armband. Te Huka â Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.

Wednesday 18
11am–12 noon: Decorate a Japanese peg doll. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.

Thursday 19
11am–12 noon: Make a mini fale (house). PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.
3pm–8pm: Te Papa Summer Jams
See local and national talent at these awesome days of great performances – includes The Jazz Sessions, The Latin Fiesta, The Dub Sets, and The Comedy Gala. As well, enjoy barbecues, good food and drink, and loads of fun for the whole family. Check the website for details, www.tepapa.govt.nz. The Amphitheatre, Level 1 (if wet, venue will be inside Te Papa). Free entry.

Saturday 21
11am–12 noon: Make a snazzy snake sock-puppet. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.
1pm–2pm: Zamba Flam. Hear the passionate sounds of this Brazilian/jazz fusion band. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Sunday 22
11am–12 noon: Make a mini korowai (cloak). Te Huka â Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.
12 noon–1pm: Dixie Dudes. Hear this fantastic quartet play Dixieland jazz - they’ll have your toes tapping! The Amphitheatre, Level 1 (wet weather venue Signs of a Nation, Level 4). Free entry.

Monday 23
The Genetic Revolution closes!
11am–12 noon: Decorate a Wellington Anniversary Day hat. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.
2pm–3pm: Thomas the Funk engine. Liven up your holiday weekend with this great seven-piece funk band. The Amphitheatre, Level 1 (wet weather venue, The Marae, Level 4). Free entry.

Tuesday 24
11am–12 noon: Make a tropical fish mobile. PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.

Wednesday 25
11am–12 noon: Create a forest floor diorama. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.

Thursday 26
11am–12 noon: Make a wild manu tukutuku (kite). Te Huka â Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.
3pm–8pm: Te Papa Summer Jams
See local and national talent at these awesome days of great performances – includes The Jazz Sessions, The Latin Fiesta, The Dub Sets, and The Comedy Gala. As well, enjoy barbecues, good food and drink, and loads of fun for the whole family. Check the website for details, www.tepapa.govt.nz. The Amphitheatre, Level 1 (if wet, venue will be inside Te Papa). Free entry.

Saturday 28
11am–12 noon: Thread a brilliant beaded necklace. Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.
1pm–1.30pm & 2pm–3pm: Mo’Reece. Hear this exceptional Samoan singer. He’ll open with an acoustic set in reo Mäori followed by a one-hour set with his band playing songs from his debut album. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Sunday 29
11am–12 noon: Decorate a Cook Island pa'u (drum). PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.
3pm–5pm: The Oriental Breeze Chinese New Year Concert. Gung hei fat choi! Welcome in the Chinese Year of the Dog with this variety performance by the Wellington New Zealand Chinese Friendship Association. Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

Tuesday 31
11am–12 noon: Make a super-duper space puzzle. NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.

All times and performances are correct at time of going to print, although changes may occur. We suggest you check our website (www.tepapa.govt.nz) or call 04 381 7000 for confirmation of any events you wish to attend.

The Genetic Revolution
The Genetic Revolution Learning Lab: Extract DNA from fruit and vegetables - just one of the many fascinating activities at this amazing exhibition. See how genes work, discover more about colour blindness and cloning.

Labs run daily at 11.30am & 3.30pm.

See how GE affects us here in New Zealand. Learn about one family's search for an answer to inherited cancer and the challenge this posed to genetic scientists. What are your views on the issues? Visit the show to share them.

The TOWER Gallery, Level 4.
Closes 23 January 2006
Adults $6.50, Children (up to 13 years) free.

The Genetic Revolution was developed by the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

ENDS

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