Aotearoa New Zealand, the Protectors of the Lost Ark

Department of Conservation —  27/09/2014

The Palais du Roi de Rome in Rambouillet, near Paris, was built for the son of Emperor Napoleon more than 200 years ago.

It may not be the most likely place to find floors full of New Zealand’s endemic biodiversity but, nevertheless, there it is—nine rooms, two floors, over 200 m² of kākāpō, kiwi, kakī…

Juvenile kakī / black stilt.

Juvenile kakī

The multimedia exhibition, Aotearoa New Zealand, the Protectors of the Lost Ark, has been at the French palace for the past few weeks (finishing September 28).

It is the culmination of years of work by French writer / photographer Sabine Bernert, who wanted to “show the fascinating and rich endemic biodiversity of New Zealand and celebrate the tireless dedication of its protectors”.

Will Batson with long-tailed bat. Photo copyright Sabine Bernert.

Will Batson with long-tailed bat

The exhibition includes 93 stunning pictures, 20 illustrated posters, and a 17 minute film with interviews.

Morepork. Photo copyright Sabine Bernert.

Morepork

Sabine, who has also been running special guided tours of the exhibition for schools, tells us that French audiences are captivated:

“People love it and are very surprised to discover these aspects of New Zealand, far from the rugby and the sheep!”

Marlborough green gecko. Photo copyright Sabine Bernert.

Marlborough green gecko

Sabine worked closely with DOC while creating this exhibition (a big shout out to Ros Cole and Les Moran in particular) and we’re excited to be so beautifully represented.

Surely the Palais du Roi de Rome has never experienced such remarkable treasures before.

The Palais du Roi de Rome in Rambouillet, near Paris. Photo copyright Sabine Bernert.

The Palais du Roi de Rome

The exhibition inside the Palais du Roi de Rome. Photo copyright Sabine Bernert.

The exhibition inside the Palais du Roi de Rome

Yellow-eyed penguin / hoiho

Yellow-eyed penguin / hoiho

One response to Aotearoa New Zealand, the Protectors of the Lost Ark

  1. 
    Thelma Boyce 09/10/2014 at 5:46 pm

    THat display of us ! near paris is just brillant , well done.Thelma