Matariki At The Museum

In 1985, farmer Charles Michie MBE wrote a note to the curator of the Whangarei Museum Leaving his astronomical lantern slides to the care of the collections. Today those slides tell the story of a legend of the North and serve as a bridge between the past and the present, illuminating the rich but limited history of celestial exploration in Te Tai Tokerau.

These slides, meticulously crafted and preserved, offer a unique glimpse into his otherworldly astronomical knowledge, techniques, and pioneer spirit held within Northlanders.

The slides capture the wonder and curiosity that fueled Michie's passion, inspiring new generations to look up at the stars with the same sense of awe and inquiry.

This Matariki season, we look to the same stars that captured Michie's attention over 100 years ago and put him on the world stage from his vantage point in the Far North.

The exhibition invites visitors to journey through the universe through these enchanting images. As you wander through the dark gallery, you can almost hear the echoes of Michie's enthusiasm for discovery and invention, his voice resonating in the whispers of the gallery, encouraging us all to keep exploring, keep questioning, and above all to answer your calling.

This exhibition is open until Sunday 16^th August!