Night at the Museum returns with Puanga celebration on Friday

Lisa Reweti will be bringing the legend of Tutaeporoporo to life on Friday night. Photo / Supplied

The Whanganui Regional Museum will come alive with a Puanga-themed evening of activities this Friday night.

Families will be have the chance to explore to learn about the stars that signal Aotearoa New Year, listen to a traditional story, find out about nocturnal birds, and explore the museum itself.

There will also be stargazing with telescopes - weather permitting.

The museum's public programmes presenter, Lisa Reweti, said when the star Puanga (Rigel) rose before the sun came up, around the shortest day of the year, it was an indicator that the coldest part of winter was coming.

While other parts of the country celebrate Matariki (the star cluster Pleiades or the Seven Sisters), Whanganui and Taranaki celebrate Puanga, which rises before Matariki.

"Back in the old days that was like a cut off point for food gathering and stuff, and then you were into your three months of winter," Rewiti said.

As well as learning about the significance of Puanga, visitors will hear a tale from Rewiti herself - that of the taniwha Tutaeporoporo.

Local artist Cecilia Kumeroa has made shadow puppets especially for the story.

"It's the most well-known local legend," Rewiti said.

"The carvings that actually tell the story are on Putiki Marae."

The museum will be joined by the Sarjeant Gallery, Whanganui Astronomical Society, and the Department of Conservation.

"Sietske Jansma from the Sarjeant be making night-time bird masks. There's lots of little activities all around the place," Rewiti said.

"On top of that there will be a sausage sizzle to warm everyone up."

The Whanganui Regional Museum's Puanga evening is on Friday, June 9 from 5pm to 8pm.

It is suitable for children aged 5 to 12. Entry is a $2 donation. Numbers will be limited on Friday night, so booking in advance is essential. Phone 06 349 1110 to reserve your place.