School Holidays
AIR PLAYGROUND
ENDS 11 OCT | FROM $5
For curious kids of all ages, experience the science of aerodynamics and the amazing invisible elemental force of air
Ngā Hararei
School Holidays
Ngā Whakaahua
Exhibitions and Activities
For curious kids of all ages, experience the science of aerodynamics and the amazing invisible elemental force of air through 10 interactive exhibits. Developed by a team of Scienceworks experts from Museums Victoria, this exhibition is jam-packed with hands-on interactive experiences for the whole whānau.
A far cry from the brown pots of studio pottery we’re familiar with, the artists in Screech take their cues from subjects like raging rockstars, other-worldly paintings and imaginary creatures. Their work moves beyond use and form to explore pop culture, mythology and social dynamics.
Encounter new works by Kura Te Waru-Rewiri that are a connection to artist Marilynn Webb and experience the artist’s creative practice through other works across time.
Bringing together pristine, still life paintings of cleaning products, she-wees and baby bottles with surreal constructions, Emily Hartley-Skudder’s latest body of work responds to Palmerston North’s beloved public toilets, Ladies Rest, in Te Marae o Hine, the Square.
Emily Hartley-Skudder is the inaugural recipient of the Fair Trust Art Prize.
Wātaka takunetanga
Upcoming events
A community exhibition that celebrates the handmade, the low-tech approach to textile making, and the creation of beautiful and useful objects.
Take this opportunity to visit the Highbury Weavers as they work collectively to create a range of woven artworks using traditional Māori weaving techniques. This dedicated group upholds the mana and tikanga of Māori weaving within a contemporary context, sharing knowledge that has been passed down through generations.
Using both harakeke (flax) and selected modern materials, the Highbury Weavers demonstrate how traditional practices continue to evolve in today’s environment. Visitors are welcome to observe the weaving process and ask questions, gaining insight into the cultural significance and techniques of Māori weaving.
Eco Submarine is a game built for entertainment that naturally integrates STEM learning for 8 to 13 year olds. Players pilot a submarine, process salvaged materials using gameplay grounded in real-world science, and heal ocean habitats.
For three days only, iPad stations will be set up in the foyer for you and your tamariki play and tell us what you think. Your feedback will help shape how the developers balance entertainment with meaningful education.
The Festival of Design Aotearoa is about celebrating how design shapes life in New Zealand. Anchored in Whanganui, the festival will be popping up around Papaioea over labour weekend at the Convention Centre, Te Marae o Hine and Te Manawa.
Te Rangahau
Join us for three fascinating presentations about the processes behind programming designed for children in the public realm; including video games, AI and interactive exhibitions.
Book in for your topic of choice or stay for all three and enjoy a free light lunch between sessions, and some kōrero with like-minded folks.
The Festival of Design Aotearoa is about celebrating how design shapes life in New Zealand. Anchored in Whanganui, the festival will be popping up around Papaioea over labour weekend at the Convention Centre, Te Marae o Hine and Te Manawa.
A lively conversation about gendered history, cleanliness and control, and the taonga that is Ladies Rest. A unique opportunity for all genders to visit this much-loved Manawatū icon.
Te Manawa welcomes home‑based educators in Palmerston North to join us for our 2026 Home‑based Educator Mornings.
These drop‑in sessions will run on the last Thursday of each month until November, from 10am – 11am.
It’s Halloween at Te Manawa, but there’s no time for trick of treating — the elves are running amuck in Santa’s Cave!
The big guy is missing and all toy making has come to a halt. Those devilish elves are creating a real nightmare, will you make it through, or become one of them….
It’s Halloween at Te Manawa, but there’s no time for trick of treating — the elves are running amuck in Santa’s Cave!
The big guy is missing and all toy making has come to a halt. Those devilish elves are creating a real nightmare, will you make it through, or become one of them….
On the first Friday of every month, bring your baby in a front pack or buggy to the art gallery for a short tour with one of the exhibition curators!
Baby Steps is a relaxed and social setting for caregivers of infants and young toddlers. It is a great chance to learn about the curious world of contemporary art and meet other like-minded people caring for little ones. Enjoy a 20-minute tour and stay for a free morning tea and chats. This is a drop-in event with no booking required.
Ngā Taonga
Collection
Professor Bob O’Driscoll was one of the founding members of the Science Centre. He was also a lifelong tech enthusiast and was among the first people in the world to buy an iPhone. That device is now in the Te Manawa collection. Rob Mildon spoke with Bob in 2016 ahead of the Nova exhibition which featured that very phone (now on display in Manawatū Journeys).
The Mina McKenzie Kete was created by young Rongotea weaver, Cassandra Archer, in 2023. It is currently on display as part of Te Manawa’s exhibit: ‘Keeping the Taonga Warm – The Legacy of Mina McKenzie’. Historian Dr Tanja Rother spoke with Cassandra to find out the story behind the kete.
Ngā Kōrero
Stories
A major new art prize designed to fuel bold artistic ambition will make its debut when CAMEO, an exhibition by Wellington contemporary artist Emily Hartley-Skudder, opens on 22 August.
Acclaimed contemporary carver Ngaroma Riley has been awarded the $40,000 Fair Trust Art Prize