Otago science experts hosts Niue Science Festival 2023

This week, a science team of six from the University of Otago and the Tūhura Otago Museum in Dunedin, New Zealand are hosting a Niue Science Festival 2023 at the Niue High School Paliati hall. 

BCN News spoke with Science Engagement Coordinator for Pasifika Emily Eastgate this morning who explained more about the purpose of the science festival. 

“Our purpose is to engage the children with science but with all kinds of different sorts of science. We’re talking about climate change, we’re talking about sound, light, we are talking about science of medicines as well to give them a really broad and exciting range of science.”

“We’re especially looking at a younger audience, we are able to sort of bring out all of the best things that we’ve got from all kinds of science and we’re also going to be doing some awesome stargazing sessions with the kids,” says Emily. 

An opening ceremony took place on Tuesday where government officials and diplomats were present. 

Throughout the week, the team have been showcasing their science festival at the Paliati hall to the Niue Primary School and High School students. 

Emily says that their key objective is to get the children interested in learning and studying more about science. 

“At Tūhura Otago Museum, it’s really important that we bring science out to more remote communities or communities that don’t always have access to the special equipment things like that. So we thought Niue would be an absolutely amazing place to bring all of our mahi.”

Free sessions for the community were today 3PM to 6PM and also on Saturday 17 June 9AM to 12PM. 

There will also be opportunities for telescope stargazing tonight and tomorrow night if weather permits. 

The team will be returning next Monday.