Te Manawa is committed to honouring, preserving and teaching about our natural world.

• Promotion of the natural sciences and ecology through the Te Awa exhibition
• Education about sustainable kai, insects and flora through the biodiversity garden
• The exploration of fossils and extinction through the dino dig
• The development of a new science centre

We seek to reduce any negative environmental impact of our activities and seek sustainable solutions to providing innovative, contemporary and personal experiences for you

• Visitors and staff are encouraged to recycle their waste through the provision of dedicated bins
• We are participating in a paper-towel recycling programme. In the programme’s first three months we removed 52.66kg of paper from landfill!
• We compost the leftovers from our kai which helps nourish the biodiversity garden
• We’re reducing our paper use behind the scenes and looking to print our exhibition labels and signage on modern, sustainable and recyclable substrates
• We use sustainable materials to build our exhibitions and reuse these whenever we can. We design with ongoing use in mind

We’re looking to resolve our challenges with a future-focused roadmap that addresses efficiency, energy use emergency preparedness and cultural design.

• We have replaced lighting throughout the complex, from storerooms to public galleries, with modern and efficient LED lighting
• We will work with Rangitāne to rejuvenate the Te Rangi Whenua gallery and weave te ao Maōri through all areas of the Museum
• We are working with Palmerston North City Council to develop a cultural precinct for the City that addresses community needs, earthquake strengthening, energy efficiency and sustainability
• Te Manawa has been identified as an earthquake prone facility, but has been deemed safe to operate as normal by Palmerston North City Council following national legislation. Our staff are trained to manage emergencies and help keep our visitors safe