Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa hosts ‘Our Changing City’ interactive digital exhibition

The interactive digital installation ‘Our Changing City’ is now live at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in the Te Taiao exhibition space with the exhibition inviting visitors to discover New Zealand's unique natural environment and to understand the environmental challenges the country faces, while encouraging ways to get involved to shape a sustainable future.

The installation allows visitors to interact with digital displays revealing the potential impacts of rising sea levels, more intense storms, and shifting weather patterns in Pōneke. Visitors can:

• See realistic visuals of Wellington’s past, present and future and how climate change could reshape coastlines and neighbourhoods.

• Explore interactive maps and animations showcasing solutions like retaining walls and sustainable stormwater systems.

• Discover how long-term planning can protect whenua and learn from global communities facing similar challenges.

The exhibition arrived at Te Papa following a successful pilot at the end of 2024 at two local libraries and Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, plus a month on-campus at Victoria University of Wellington in February.

The installation was made possible by US$1 million prize money from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge. This funding supports the development of digital tools to engage the community on climate adaptation and show how the community can prepare for the future.

It’s an exciting development for Wellington City Council, opening opportunities for cross-council collaboration and new ways of decision-making regarding how Wellington works and grows.

Head of Natural History at Te Papa Philip Edgar believes the exhibition will fit seamlessly into the current Te Taiao exhibition and notes the 'Our Changing City' offers a compelling, localised perspective on climate impacts and adaptation strategies that visitors, particular Wellington region visitors, will relate to. 

Edgar added “this highly engaging interactive is a great short-term addition to Te Taiao that we know will capture the attention of visitors, educate, and encourage thought and discussion. It's been great to work with the team at the Council to put this in place at Te Papa.”

The Council aims to improve accessibility of information and awareness of climate change adaptation to all Wellingtonians.

The installation is free and family-friendly, and Te Papa is an exciting new temporary home as it boosts accessibility to residents and tamariki who are exploring the Te Taiao exhibit. 

In addition, Council has been working on an online web version of the content. This is a great way to experience and share the information and resources to friends and whānau who may not be able to visit the physical installation. 

Find the online experience on the Our Changing City website

Images. Credit: City of Wellington