te manawa

Earlier today while here in Palmerston North I decided to visit the local museum Te Manawaas I've always loved museums.I'm so pleased I did.I was pleasantly surprised to see such aninteresting and well laid out museum. Entry to the museum is free which is a great bonus. On my arrival at the museum the Visitor Host Brian whomet me was very polite and friendly to me and made me feel welcome. Adjoining the reception area thereis a fascinating section containing many fascinating items of Polynesian art and culture from Pacific Island countries such as Fiji, Samoa, ,Papua New Guinea, from the very early twentieth century throughto the 1960s era. A few little audio visual documentary films are able to be observed which are highly informative, concerning Pacific island immigrants experiences as new immigrants to New Zealand.Further opposite the first building is the Maori section of the \Museum. I was amazed to see amazing artefacts on display such as an original waka or canoe from the 1880s in remarkable condition. Prue the Visitor Host I spoke to very kindly arranged for me to meet Manaki astaff member who seemed happy to answer my questions about the Maori taonga on display The exhibits are well labelled with fascinating information on their respective historieswhich really assists visitors in learning about the exhibits on display. Further through the museumcomplex is The Te Awa or river section of the museum which has live fish in aquariums from the Manawatu rivers, as well as live wetas on display in a replica cave. The fish and weta exhibits are great and very interesting.The final section of the Museum is the Rugby Museum which is phenomenally interesting and a MUST SEE for rugby fans. The entry fee of $12.50 NZ is money well spent.I was fascinated to see a gold mine of rugby artefacts from rugby hats from the 1880s through to rugby jerseys, boots, and other rugby paraphernalia from later years in the twentieth century onwards. The Visitor Host Colin I spoke to in the Rugby Museum seemedto have a real wealth of information about rugby and the artefacts on display and seemed happyto answer my questions about rugby and the exhibits on display..All up the Te Manawa Museum is a real gold mine of taonga or treasures from Aotearoa (New Zealand) and other Pacific Island countries. Top Marks to the excellent staff at Te Manawa who run such a brilliant museum. Andrew

Thought this was going to be another dusty small town museum but was surprised and the quality and size of this site. Using a mix of media, video, interactive exhibits and walk through experiences I found myself spending a happy hour here. Could have stayed longer! Really enjoyed the old news reel videos and the geographic history of formation of NZ from 65 million years ago. Well designed and should suit 10 year old ups well.

I'm not a museum fan. And was reluctantly dragged along by my 9 year old step daughter. What a surprise, lots to do and see for kids of all ages. Even the earth sciences was interesting, and that's a subject I've hated since school C geography.

I visited this museum space to see 2 quilt exhibits. It was very interesting to see the Maori culture in a separate section, and also it looked like they had a fantastic kids' program. For a local museum it had a great open feel and seemed to have something for everyone.

Excellent for younger kids - under 8 area has a wide range of activities. Older kids are interested in the river area especially,

I originally took two grandchildren to visit Santa's Cave - the old Farmer's building world of Christmas fantasy. However, the children were just as fascinated by the rest of the exhibits. The science centre, life in earlier times, and the Maori section. It is a popular place for school trips also.

Wonderful place for the children. They love to stroll around and look at the different exhibits. Very hands on - children love it.

One of the few museums around that is free. And well worth a trip. It is a museum and science centre, so would be great to take kids. Plenty to interest, amuse and keep them busy. We were amused to watch a little boy (maybe 3 or 4) and his Mum, making rain.

Nothing to do on a rainy day, take the kids to Te Manawa, take a book....they will not want to leave! It's all FREE (and this Nanny likes that!). I have a big crew, sometimes up to 6 children, and they can stay here for hours! Take some water and a snack - and your camera. I love this place and can't believe some people don't even know about it! (And we live in Pahiatua)

Superb river display "Te Awa". Fish tanks are brilliant especially the big one. It must have a really professional filter system.

Te Manawa offers a link to the World. From permanent display to major exhibition. The facility is integral to the arts, education and future of the region. With a refreshing museum without walls vision the gallery is continually on the move. Whether a Palmerston North local or just visiting the City... it's a key venue you don't want to miss.

Awesome family friendly environment. Te Manawa are doing a great job at bringing the community in, there is something on every weekend like Discovery time for the kids (& big kids)

Little disappointed at only two exhibitions in the gallery and one I had seen in another town. This is quite a big exhibition space but never quite seems to have enough to look at for more than 30 minutes.

Finally had time to come here and glad we did and plenty of parking available and being so close to town you can stop off at one of the great cafes in George st afterwards.This was a visit with my Grand daughter so we could spend some quality time together and it was fantastic she loved it and had a great time.Will be back with some more of the family sometime for sure.Wheelchair friendly and restrooms and just a great place to visit.

Te Manawa provides the cultural and creative hollistic experience. It serves the Manawatu and all of our national and international family, and travellers with multiple invigorating sensory experiences. But more than all of the highly significant cultural, educational and aesthetic taonga/treasures that Te Manawa showcases none are more important in my mind than the people within the museum. The bright, cheerful hosts that greet you with a warm, genuine smile. The educators that are passionate about our youth engagement and growth through art, science and history revealing to them their own place, context and worth. Who make our youths own heritage come alive. Who unceasingly excite and inspire generation after generation. The curatorial team that pour their hearts and energies into providing incredibly meaningful and well thought out exhibitions one after another. The designers who work magic bringing the whole Te Manawa aesthetic together and who tirelessly support the other teams. The event staff that create and manage innovative opportunities for community presence and engagement. Making Te Manawa truly a place for all people. The quick, quiet and earnest back of house workers who bridge the gaps between conceptual ideas and the physical creation of them, all working in together in what appears a seamless fashion. It is the people of Te Manawa and their vision to which I would invite you to pay attention to when you come. Simply ask and they will freely open their worlds and their perspectives. Shining their light so that you can see the layered depth and majesty of their kaupapa/purpose in our Te Manawa. My family regularly visits Te Manawa and my 5 and 8 year old boys are thoroughly engaged the whole time.