Kermadec Programme at the Auckland Centre of the National Library
Monday 7 May 2012, 5:15PM
By National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa
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Kermadec: Expeditions and Connections has opened at The Window at the National Library Auckland Centre. Vibrant with image, word and sound this programme and exhibition explores one of the world’s few pristine environments. The Kermadec trench is New Zealand’s largest marine reserve. The ocean region surrounding it is the product of a violent collision between two continental plates and represents a territory of exceptional diversity.
Shaped in conjunction with the Pew Environmental Group to explore significant expeditions, journeys and connections to the Kermadec region, this programme offers an exciting insight and resource for schools and public alike.
The Window space in Auckland is rich with images that reflect the breadth of schools' curriculum including science, social history, geography and art. In 2011, an expedition saw nine prominent New Zealand artists travel to the region on the HMNZS Otago. The artists' consequent work counterpoints a wealth of curated imagery, audio, visual and textual material to grapple with the rare biodiversity of this blue expanse.
A section of the exhibition makes note of The Bell family who were early in the settlement of Raoul Island. The book Crusoe’s of Sunday Island celebrates the lonely and often arduous life on what was to become the northernmost territory of New Zealand. Getting wind of the programme, and the role of the National Library, just before the opening, descendants of the Bells generously donated original family photographs and documents of this era. It was a moment of moving recollection and one of the palpable connections that the programme and exhibition seeks to celebrate.
An early visitor from the nearby Department of Conservation said that the exhibition was “stunning” and to expect a steady stream of keen and interested department staff.
A schools’ programme will complement the exhibition, where National Library staff will work with students to engage their curiosity, encourage them to build their understanding and generate intellectual and creative responses.
The exhibition and programme will be open until 21 September 2012. The Auckland Centre of the National Library is located at 8 Stanley Street, Parnell. It is open Monday until Friday from 10am – 5pm. The contact at the Auckland centre is Katie Preston 09 365 8818.