Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research will have a range of displays and activities to highlight the research undertaken by their scientists. 

Virtual Reality Headset – Karanga o Tāne Mahuta 

Take a virtual step back in time and experience prehistoric, present and future New Zealand environments. The karanga o Tāne Mahuta virtual reality experience is a 2,000-year journey that immerses you in Aotearoa’s ancient flora, fauna and unique taonga species. This experience shows the impacts of human decisions on our biodiversity and environment. 

 
Predator control – tracking tunnels 

Want to know one method of how They track pests and predators? Even better, why not make your own! Their researchers set up tracking tunnels with an ink card inside so they can see what mammals are in an area which then inform trapping decisions to protect our biodiversity. The stamps represent animals you could even find in your own backyard. Have a turn making your own tracking card and guess who has left their footprints behind…

Remote sensing – fly a mini drone 

Test your flying skills and fly a mini drone over a rural landscape. Manaaki Whenua researchers use drones to study and map the land as well as monitor environmental changes. Successful pilots will be rewarded with a small bag of jet planes!

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

About Manaaki Whenua

Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research is the Crown Research Institute for our land environment and biodiversity with more than 250 scientists and researchers focused on environmental issues.