Hundreds visit the NZ geological map in Dunedin
The New Zealand International Science Festival (NZISF) ran over 30th June - 9th July
GNS Scientists showcased our Geological Map of Aotearoa New Zealand and identified rocks with Geological Society of New Zealand.
The 2023 New Zealand International Science Festival
Running every two years in Dunedin the festival features guests and organisations alongside local talent, all aiming to grow the public’s excitement and awareness about science.
This year, we rolled out the Geological Map of Aotearoa New Zealand carpet in the festival hub. Taking a central stage in the city’s octagon, Andrea Liberatore, Associate Director of NZISF, has recorded an average of 200 daily visitors to the map. That’s over a thousand pairs of feet crossing the geological make up of our motu!
Our GNS Dunedin team gave the crowd a lay of the geological land
Our scientists hosted “map chats” to explain the different colours and codes of the carpet.
In partnership with the Geological Society of New Zealand (GSNZ), some members of our Dunedin team also helped host the “Dr. Rock” session alongside other GSNZ members. The festival asked the public to bring their favourite rocks, minerals, and fossils to challenge expert geologists with something puzzling.
It was fantastic to see the visitors’ hands full of rocks, geological map merchandise, and the NZ geological timescale. Well done GNS Dunedin team!
