Primary Education Programmes
Amazing Air: Celebrating Air Playground
Whoosh, gust, swirl, float and more! At Air Playground, curious kids and families have fun with air - an invisible elemental force.
Within the exhibition, students can explore the science of aerodynamics through experimental play: float objects in mid-air, release material in a fast-flowing airstream and launch their own paper plane design.
Ngaa Taonga o Te Whare Waka
Explore the Meaning Stories of the arrival of the Tainui Meaning Canoe , learn about some of the ancestors depicted in the carvings, including exploring how the Kiingitanga formed and the Te Winika story.
We will also talk about toi Maaori, exploring the way the parts of the building are significant and uphold the Meaning Prestige, authority, importance, power and Meaning Spirit of this region, and how stories are an ongoing Meaning Treasure, anything prized .
Huringa Kirikiriroa: Shaping Hamilton
The long term exhibition Huringa Kirikiriroa Shaping Hamilton is a chronological exploration of the development of this area using objects and taonga to present our story, from the arrival of the Tainui waka through to current day.
Students will explore our objects and taonga, hear some of the puuraakau of our local area, and understand changes over time.
Te Taiao o Te Waikato
The Waikato awa, and the surrounding whenua, are a vital and sustaining force in the life of the Waikato region. The water of the awa is a habitat for our native creatures, a life force for the whenua and holds cultural, social, economic and historical significance.
Our one-hour programme will explore the puuraakau of the Waikato awa and whenua and the taiao of our local area.Be challenged by the impact we have on the hauora (health) of these living taonga.
What is art? He aha te mahi toi?
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery showcases diverse artworks from our region and beyond. We host local, national and international visual art exhibitions that change regularly.
In this programme we ask ‘What is art?’ and explore the role art plays for individuals and society. We explore concepts of art and give students some skills for observing and engaging with a wide variety of arts.
Puurakau at the Museum
Designed for younger learners
The educator-led time will take tamariki on a tour of the museum galleries and share some of the wonderful stories that inspire the exhibitions or objects.
Students will hear about the Tongue of the Dog, the story of Te Winika and explore different art forms, all the while engaging in activities and discussion to develop their understanding of storytelling and cultural narratives.