The GNS Science historic instrument collection

GNS Science Te Pū Ao has a long history of preserving, researching and sharing New Zealand’s scientific heritage through the conservation of historically significant instruments. The institute maintains a collection of over 50 geophysical instruments that have played an important role in advancing earth science across New Zealand, Antarctica and the Pacific Islands. These instruments are preserved to maintain both their physical and functional integrity, to support research with legacy datasets, to facilitate education and to serve as noteworthy exhibits for display and demonstration. A key aim of this collection is to foster a deeper understanding of the history of earth-science research and its impact on New Zealand while inspiring new generations to engage with science. To ensure the instruments’ longevity, Terms of Reference and a set of guidelines have been established to guide future conservation work and handling practises of the collection, preventing deterioration. A number of instruments from the collection are currently on display or on loan to other institutions for exhibition (auths)