Welcome to the
Whareweka website

For those who have visited Whareweka or are aspirational in future visits. Or for those who are curious (like a weka) about what is going on at the whare.

 

Whareweka - Te One Science House, is run for the benefit of the Island, on a not-for-profit basis, for activities related to the arts, sciences, and the humanities. Accommodation, laboratory, and an art studio is available for short term rental.

 

Citizen Science

Citizen science is a broad term that encompasses various types of projects where the public (citizens) work with agencies and academic researchers to undertake scientific research. Citizen science has its beginnings in the physical sciences but has expanded to other areas, including natural hazard research. The motivations, design, and outputs of citizen science projects vary widely. Some projects are highly participatory, where the citizens are involved in the project design, data collection, and analysis. In others, citizens only provide data to projects designed and coordinated solely by the science agencies. Both ends of this spectrum are useful for creating new scientific outputs and enhancing citizen involvement in science.

Three current projects are underway related to:

  • Seismometers in Schools

  • High Impact Weather

  • Air quality


 

Corrosion Studies

Corrosion will threaten these durability requirements since most metallic building components will corrode when exposed to the atmosphere, particularly contaminated with marine salts, geothermal/industrial sulphur-containing gases or agricultural chemicals.

The Building Code and New Zealand standards then require materials be specified based on the atmospheric corrosivity of the area where the building is located.


 

Festival of Science

2025 festival  is planned for the 12th to the 17th of August.

​​The festival aims to draw local and visitor attendees to enjoy several days of science-inspired events including talks, field visits and panels with world-renowned scientists. 

This celebration of science covers a wide range of topics from ecology, weather, geology and future of the environment. Youth and family-oriented activities include hands-on workshops exploring a variety of subjects.

Planned activities

  • Science of the Chatham islands tour

  • Workshop on citizen science

  • Exhibition of Science, Film night

  • Museum visits

  • Field visit

  • School programme

For further details contact Alicia at A.Cui1@massey.ac.nz

 

History & Heritage

Researchers linked to Whareweka are involved in several history and heritage projects including:

  • History of Geological Monitoring on the Chatham Island

  • The 1874 Transit of Venus expedition

  • 150 years of the Jockey Club

  • The 1827 shipwreck of the “Glory”


 

Natural Hazards Projects

Several natural hazards projects are underway or being planned by groups from a range of New Zealand and overseas universities and agencies. Current projects related to:

  • Earthquakes & tsunami

  • Volcanoes of the east islands

  • High impact weather