Talk: From Tip-Site to Flourishing Forest

A key exhibition area in Te Papa’s Te Taiao Nature Space shows how over 20 local kaitiaki/guardians are working to help restore and protect our natural environment, and inspire more of us to take action to combat climate change. Come and hear Friends President, Elizabeth Kay, describe how one small community group decided to take up the fight and what they have achieved in little more than a decade.

Aotearoa 2019, the recent Ministry for the Environment report, paints a bleak picture of the precarious state of New Zealand’s natural environment. Te Papa’s newly opened Te Taiao Nature highlights the impact human activity has had on our land, waterways and oceans, and challenges all of us to make personal changes in our daily lives.

Human activity in New Zealand has modified more than 51% of the land; just 26% of the native forest that once covered the country remains. Thousands of plant and animal species are under threat; stoats, possums and rats have invaded 94% of the country. 82% of our inland waterways are no longer suitable for swimming. Add in climate change and we seem to be facing an insurmountable biodiversity crisis. Is it possible to make a difference?

Tickets includes: free parking and a 20% discount voucher for refreshments at Espresso cafe, Level 4, Te Papa.