A Special Roadshow & Identification Event at Central Stories
Discover the Hidden History of Central Otago
Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery is proud to host the Taonga Tūturu event, bringing expert curators from Tūhura Otago Museum to identify, catalogue, and reveal the stories behind Māori artefacts and treasures held in our local collections. Join us for this rare opportunity to watch museum professionals at work and learn about the rich cultural heritage of our region through its ancient taonga (treasures).
Event Details
DATES & TIMES AT CENTRAL STORIES:
- Friday 11th April | 12:00 noon – 7:30pm
- Saturday 12th April | 10:00am – 3:00pm
ALSO VISITING:
- Cromwell Museum: Tuesday 8th April | 2:00pm – 7:30pm
- Clyde Museum (at Clyde Masonic Lodge): Wednesday 9th April | 12:00 noon – 7:30pm & Thursday 10th April | 10:00am – 5:00pm
ENTRY: Free
FEATURING EXPERT CURATORS:
- Dr. Gerard O’Regan (Taonga Māori Curator, Tūhura Otago Museum)
- Lana Arun (Taonga Māori Curator, Tūhura Otago Museum)
- Kane Fleury (Natural History Curator, Tūhura Otago Museum)
Bring Your Own Discoveries!
Have you found interesting stone artefacts or natural specimens around Central Otago? Bring them along! Our expert curators will:
- Help identify your discoveries
- Explain their historical significance
- Provide advice on proper registration of Māori artefacts
- Share their knowledge about local history and archaeology
What Will You See?
Watch as museum professionals examine various taonga Māori including:
- Toki (adzes)
- Stone knives
- Flaked tools
- Mahe (sinkers)
- Other stone artefacts
This hands-on experience is perfect for:
- History enthusiasts
- Families looking for educational activities
- Amateur archaeologists
- Anyone curious about Central Otago’s cultural history
Why This Matters
Many of these taonga were found around Central Otago or brought here by local residents. Each artifact tells part of a regional story and connects us to the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa. By cataloguing and understanding these treasures, we preserve their stories for future generations.
