Exhibition explores Otago Polytechnic’s past and future

Otago Polytechnic is celebrating its people, place, history and future in a six-month exhibition at Tūhura Otago Museum from December 2022 to May 2023.

Opening on 9 December, “Ka Mua Ka Muri: Walking Backwards into the Future” will highlight Otago Polytechnic’s contribution to its community through interactive, creative and engaging displays that celebrate its culture, people and successes.

The exhibition will also show how Otago Polytechnic and Te Pūkenga will be intrinsically involved in the future success of our community and share stories of connections to mana whenua, history, outstanding alumni, student success, innovative learning and iconic events.

From beekeeping to beauty, photography to food, and art to architecture, Otago Polytechnic has taught generations of New Zealanders, providing a launching pad for careers, skills, and hobbies.

Ka Mua Ka Muri: Walking Backwards into the Future explores these through hands-on interactive experiences, including a pop-up arcade, featuring video games developed by students this year; a sculpture station; and a selfie station where visitors can use props to create Instagramable backgrounds.

One of New Zealand’s most well-regarded vocational institutions, Otago Polytechnic has a long history, starting in 1870 as the Dunedin Art School.

After many changes in names, locations, and qualifications taught, Otago Polytechnic is changing again. On 1 November 2022, Otago Polytechnic officially transitioned to Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

“The exhibition will play an important role to help communicating the upcoming changes for the tertiary training sector, introducing Te Pūkenga and the exciting opportunities it will bring to our wider community,” says Dr Megan Gibbons, Executive Director, Otago Polytechnic.

A series of community programmes and events will also be scheduled throughout the six-month exhibition, such as Master Classes, where consummate professionals teach workshops on skills from art to cookery.  Family-fun events are also planned with the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital, as well as the only public update on the hospital rebuild as part of the event programme.

Ka Mua Ka Muri: Walking Backwards into the Future is free and will be open from Friday 9 December 2022 until Sunday 14 May 2023