
DNA tracing New Zealand's taonga
Research using genetic techniques is providing insight into New Zealand’s cultural past.
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Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
Previous projects and campaigns we have been involved in.
New stereo-microscope for Te Papa's art conservators Stereo-microscopes are a vital tool in an art conservator’s arsenal and are used to examine the surface of paintings in minute detail. With this microscope, Te Papa’s art conservators are able to discern – and importantly, capture – individual layers that are not visible to the eye. This allows the conservation team to selectively tailor conservation treatments to each layer in every painting. | ![]() |
Orchid Research Scholarships The Foundation sucessfully raised $30,000 in support of the research of Botany Curator Dr. Carlos Lehnebach to identify and understand New Zealand’s rare native orchids. These funds will provide scholarships for two Masters-level botany students to undertake research into New Zealand native orchids under the tutelage of Dr Lehnebach. | ![]() |
DNA tracing New Zealand's taonga The museum is home to a priceless collection of taonga Māori. The whakapapa (provenance) of many of these precious items has been forgotten as these items made their way from private collections into the museum. With recent breakthroughs in our DNA tracing research, we can look into the rich backstory of these treasures with the hope to reconnect them with iwi, hapū, and whānau. | ![]() |
Research using genetic techniques is providing insight into New Zealand’s cultural past.
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