Western Bay Museum Showcases Clever Crustaceans with NIWA and Te Papa

The Western Bay Museum is hosting a new mini exhibition exploring the fascinating world of crustaceans, developed in partnership with NIWA and Te Papa Tongarewa. Titled Mawhiti Tino Rawe | Clever Crustaceans, the display offers a hands-on look at five marine species — from kōura and mantis shrimp to barnacles and deep-sea amphipods — through interactive elements, real specimens and a special digital web hub.

NIWA scientists Dr Rachael Peart and Dr Kareen Schnabel collaborated with Te Papa experts to put the exhibition together. Dr Schnabel noted that crustaceans, as arthropods with segmented bodies and exoskeletons, share much in common with insects — and that some species are even being studied for their potential role in detecting cancer in humans. Exhibition Experience Developer Dan Parke from Te Papa said the project was inspired by the work of scientists striving to understand and protect these creatures and their habitats.

The exhibition aligns with the museum's existing Ngā Toa Taiao — Environmental Heroes of the Western Bay District display. Entry to the museum is free, and education programme bookings for March are already full. Those wanting to secure a spot in April are encouraged to email manager@westernbaymuseum.nz.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).