Volcanoes, Quakes, and Preparedness: Te Papa’s Rūaumoko Exhibition Comes to Taupō
Venture into the domain of Rūaumoko, god of volcanoes and earthquakes at a powerful new exhibition coming to Taupō Museum.
The museum has partnered with Te Papa and the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake to bring Rūaumoko: Restless Land to the district from Saturday 31 January until Monday 23 March.
Rūaumoko is an interactive touring exhibition that shines a spotlight on Aotearoa’s natural hazards and the importance of being prepared. Blending cutting-edge science with mātauranga Māori, it explores the powerful natural forces that continuously shape our country.
Visitors will encounter popular features such as the Quake Nation interactive, tectonic plate models, volcanic rock samples and the much-loved shake table.
Te Papa’s exhibition experience developer Dan Parke says the interactive experience invites visitors into the realm of Rūaumoko, atua (god) of volcanoes and earthquakes.
“By introducing visitors to the atua, the exhibition illustrates the immense forces beneath our feet and presents a wero - a challenge - to understand our hazards and learn how to prepare at home and in our communities.”
Toka Tū Ake public education manager Hamish Armstrong says the exhibition brings vital conversations to the forefront.
“We are a whenua of colliding and subducting plates that cause earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and landslides,” he says. “We need to be talking about the risks they pose to our homes and people, and what we need to do to prepare.”
To complement the touring exhibition, Taupō Museum is also offering a free, interactive tour. This 60-minute session begins with a Civil Defence hazards and emergency preparedness talk, complete with spot prizes, before visitors join a guided tour of the Rūaumoko exhibition and the lakefront carvings.
Pip Dixon, Taupō District Council’s emergency management advisor, is looking forward to developing an emergency plan with curious visitors.
“We can’t predict when the ground will move, but we can decide how ready we’ll be,” she says.
“Our sessions turn concern into practical action - simple steps like understanding your local hazards, packing a grab bag, and making a whānau plan. Come along, bring your questions, and leave with a plan that fits your life.”
Sessions run every Thursday from 5 February to 19 March, with schools booked from 10.30am to 11.30am and public sessions from 1pm to 2pm. The tours begin at Taupō Museum, and entry is free. The sessions are presented by emergency management advisor Pip Dixon and programmes and events co-ordinator Jeffrey Addison.
Bookings are essential and can be made by emailing taupomuseum@taupo.govt.nz or phoning 07 376 0414.
