Unearthing ancient (and not-so-ancient) climate stories of Aotearoa

Journey through time, to discover the stories that bones can tell us about our past.

Join ancient DNA experts Nic Rawlence and Pascale Lubbe as they explain how ice ages shaped Aotearoa and its unique creatures. What can we learn from their bones, and how does ancient DNA unlock the secrets of times past?  

Then ancient DNA expert Catherine Collins discusses how genetic information from past animal populations may help predict how these animals could respond to a warming environment.

Last, forensic scientist Ruth Warren explains how the climate you grew up in leaves chemical traces in your bones that help us tell the stories of Otago’s goldrush.

Suitable for curious minds of all ages.

Location: Toitū Auditorium

Cost: Free | No booking required

Hosted by Toitū Otago Settlers Museum: Museum of social history dedicated to telling the story of the people of Dunedin and the surrounding area. Fourteen themed galleries feature interactive displays and powerful narratives tracing the human history of the area, from the earliest settlers to the most recent arrivals.