19 Jun 2023

Matauranga Maori at reopened Stardome

From Morning Report, 8:39 am on 19 June 2023

Auckland's Stardome observatory has reopened with a ceremony this morning, after a six-month, $2m refurbishment.

It's the most significant upgrade in more than 25 years and includes an overhauled exhibition space, roof replacement, planetarium seating and new hands-on public galleries.

Centre-stage are exhibitions which place matauranga Maori alongside western scientific tradition - including a comprehensive star map showing over 100 Maori names of whetu (stars), aorangi (planets), and constellations.

Maori astronomer Professor Rangi Maataamua spoke to Morning Report.