 | I am very pleased and proud to welcome ASPAC delegates to the ASPAC 2010 conference at the Otago Museum, here in Dunedin, New Zealand. The Otago Museum was born as a science museum. Dating back to the 1860s, it grew from a geological collection to a natural history museum. The University of Otago and the Museum were intertwined for many years, and the Museum gained renown as a natural science teaching museum. Today, the Museum is broader in scope – encompassing nature, culture and science. Science, however, remains at the heart of one of our most popular visitor experiences – Discovery World, our interactive science centre. One of Discovery World’s special features is the Tropical Forest, a hot, lush, living multi-level rainforest-like ecosystem – home to hundreds of free roaming butterflies and other living creatures. More important, however, than the bricks and mortar (and butterflies!) is the Museum’s place in the everyday lives of our community. We’ve worked hard over many years, within limited resources, to build community ownership. Today, it makes us very proud to be able to describe ourselves as a buzzing, exciting, community hub of activity, where people return again and again to spend family time together; to discover and learn; or to be inspired by the huge variety of galleries and exhibitions. In our local population of just over 120,000 people, the Museum received over 600,000 visits in the last year – highly indicative of a place that is loved by its community. The conference theme for ASPAC 2010 – share, learn, grow, together – promises to provide a forum for meaningful dialogue between science centre and museum professionals working in all areas and levels. The conference subthemes – exhibition development, visitor experience, and growing our people – will provide a springboard for sharing some of the body of practical and tangible experience and expertise that exists across the Asia-Pacific science centres. The conference programme has been tailored to ensure that you can experience the best of the South while you’re in this special part of the world. From leading edge centres of science communication and innovation to the unique and diverse wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, your time in Dunedin will be exciting and enriching. For the final day of the conference, we’re heading inland amidst breathtaking scenery. The fascinating geology and natural history of ‘Lord of the Rings country’ offer a special natural science communication opportunity with a trip through the Maniototo to Queenstown, accompanied by one of our Science Communication professionals. The whole team at the Otago Museum is excited to be hosting ASPAC 2010. We look forward to welcoming you to the South – to share, learn and grow, together.
SHIMRATH PAUL |
