For immediate release
19 December 2017

Explore forest science this summer at a new, fun and family friendly exhibition installed by Scion at Rainbow Springs Nature Park in Rotorua.

Scion and Rainbow Springs Nature Park, have come together to display the hidden power of forests and the science that underpins New Zealand's forestry industry.

"Forests do a lot more for New Zealand than most people realise," says Scion’s Marketing and Communications Manager Christl McMillan.

"Our planted forests provide habitat for kārearea (New Zealand falcon), they help to absorb carbon, offsetting New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions and we can use the raw materials from trees to make ecofriendly products."

The opportunity to showcase forestry's environmental benefits and its potential to transform industries from oil-based to plant-based production at one of Rotorua's iconic tourist attractions was too good to pass up.

"Rainbow Springs offers a great experience to their visitors, with opportunities to learn about New Zealand's native flora and fauna – we're excited to collaborate with them on this project,” says Christl.

““It is incredibly exciting to have this collaboration with Scion at Rainbow Springs, our partnership was born out of a shared passion for our environment. Scion bring real excitement to the park and we are delighted to share with our visitors some of what is happening at the cutting edge of research and development as to how we can do more, sustainably with less while improving our ecosystems” says David Hennigan, Business Manager / Kaea at Rainbow Springs Nature Park.

To support the exhibition, Scion scientists will be presenting a variety of educational talks to inspire and educate throughout January.

The exhibition will also include:  

• A treehouse with activities for the kids
• A chance to pilot a miniature drone
• Live native insects

And plenty of product samples that may give you a glimpse into the future of a wood-powered world.

The exhibition runs until 9 February 2018 and is presented by Scion. Entry is free with admission into Rainbow Springs.

Read more about Science in our Forests

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