Short arms long stay: Peter the T. rex to stay longer at museum
In April 2022 Auckland War Memorial Museum became the first ever Museum in the world to display Peter the T. rex.
The museum has now announced Peter will remain on display until the end of 2023.
Peter the T. rex stay was due to end September 2022, but as a result of the enthusiastic response from visitors the stay has been extended.
Twelve metres long, nearly four metres high and displayed in its hunting position, this is one of a small number of almost complete fossil Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in the world and the first real T. rex fossil ever to be exhibited in Aotearoa.
Dr David Gaimster, Chief Executive at Auckland Museum, says “We are delighted Peter the T. rex is extending his stay. He has been an extremely popular attraction. Visitation in the first two weeks of opening was the highest since records began. We also know that families have returned to see the T. rex over and over again.”
Peter the T. rex was recovered from the famous 'dinosaur playground’ of the Lance Formation in Eastern Wyoming. While a fully intact T. rex skeleton has never been found, Peter is one of the most complete examples to date, with a significant number of the largest bones preserved in pristine condition.
While most dinosaur skeletons are brown, mineral deposits on Peter’s bones create a rare obsidian black colour. Only four black T. rex have ever been discovered.
Peter is staying on until the end of 2023.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.
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