From 24 January- 18 April 2022 a trail of 160 unique and stunning whale tail sculptures, designed by artists and children, will animate Tāmaki Makaurau and bring to life themes of protecting and restoring the mauri of te moana.

The New Zealand Maritime Museum is proud to sponsor one of these tails, designed by artist Valerie Auersperg. Come see it for yourself from January 24 in the museum entrance foyer. 

The legacy of Whale Tales will continue long after the fun of the trail has ended with the sculptures being auctioned to raise significant funds to power the vital work WWF-New Zealand does to look after our moana (ocean) and her marine life throughout Aotearoa, particularly in and around the Hauraki Gulf.

Learn more about Whale Tales 2022

Learn more about WWF New Zealand

 

 

About the museum's Whale Tale

Artist Valerie Auersperg’s painted sculpture, Backyard Bliss, helps to remind us to look after what’s on our very own doorstep and ties in with the Museum’s 150-metre-long mural of the natural environment of the Hauraki Gulf and the Waitematā, including a life-sized humpback. Together we can all work towards ocean health and sustainability.

https://cdn.aucklandunlimited.com/maritime/assets/media/valerie-whale-tale-tails-2022.webp

Marist School Pēpi Tail

This beautiful Pēpi (mini) Whale Tail, designed by students at Marist School in Mt Albert and inspired by the pāua shell, is now on display at the Maritime Museum. This sweet little tail is one of 82 designed by Auckland schools and community groups and is part of the Auckland-wide art trail (and will also feature on the WWF Whale Tales app, trail map, website, & social channels).

At the conclusion of the event, each Pēpi Whale Tail, including this one, will be returned to the schools to keep forever! FIN-TASTIC!

https://cdn.aucklandunlimited.com/maritime/assets/media/pepi-pod-mini-whale-tail-marist-school.webp

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