Te Papa – Te Taiao | Nature exhibition
Human Dynamo was a lead contributor of scientifically accurate endemic
flora and fauna models for Te Papa – Te Taiao | Nature exhibition 2019.

Utilising the latest in-house technology and craftsmanship including digital sculpting, 3D printing, biological specimen moulding and paint finishing, HD's team fabricated over 40 specimen models.

Human Dynamo liaised with scientific experts to ensure every detail was accurately captured in the finished models.
Sacha Lees and Tony Drawbridge's process is captured during the finishing stages of a large scale Mayfly lava model - one of over forty specimen models created by 'Human Dynamo Workshop' for Te Papa – Te Taiao | Nature exhibition 2019.
"I found the team at Human Dynamo to be exceptional in their focus, commitment, and production quality; taking a mix of photographs, photocopies and preserved specimens to create fish models that looked as if all they needed was water.
Some of the older models that were re-painted and re-worked I had thought were beyond salvage, but the end result was spectacular. Problems were overcome with innovation and talent.
It has been a pleasure to work with such gifted and passionate people."
- Andrew Stewart. Assistant Curator NE (Fishes)Clayton McGregor & Rosanne Kwan
Scientific Experts:
Birds: Alan Tennyson & Colin Miskelly
Marine Invertebrates: Rick Webber
Mollusca: Bruce Marshall & Rodrigo Salvador
Fish: Andrew Stewart
Insects: Phil Sirvid & Julia Kasper
Plants: Lara Shepard & Leon Perrie
Lead Contributors
Tony Drawbridge, Sacha Lees, Garry Buckley,
Dominic Taylor, Adelle Kristensen, Elliot Gonzales,
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Digital model of an Apricot Anemone specimen.
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Apricot Anemone model in the finishing stages along side reference material.
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Supersized digital cut away model of Kiwi beak.
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Final supersized kiwi beak cut away model.
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Digital model rendering.
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Finished Basket Fungi model.
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Katipo Spider model.
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Completed specimen model.
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Finished Earthworm model.
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Finished Seahorse model.
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Completed Carpet Shark model.
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Model of a Moa pelvis bone and Haast eagle's claw cast in bronze.
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Model of a Hawkin's rail bird.
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Freshwater Koura specimen with paint finishing.
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Half Crab specimen with paint finishing.
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Model of a Tui's egg being eating by a taxidermied Possum.
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Finished model of a Forest Gecko.
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Painted Policeman Crab specimen next to reference material.
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Digital model rendering.
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Petite model of the Blue mushroom fungi.
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Model of an unripe apricot held by a taxidermied Rosella bird.
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Digital model rendering mouth detail of an female Lamprey.
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Close up mouth detail of the finished female Lamprey model.
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Garry Buckley detailing a Skate sculpture.
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Completed Skate model.
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Completed model of a Alope shrimp next to reference material.
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Completed model.
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Model of a deep sea Redvelvet Whalefish.
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Completed model of a Semi Slug.
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Model of a Sea Slug.
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Completed model of a Flatworm (Australopacifica Maori).
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Completed model of a Flatworm (Arthurdendyus Triangulatus).
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Encapsulated plant specimen.
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Encapsulated plant specimen.
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Encapsulated plant specimen.
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Completed Blue Moki model.
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Completed model of a Banded Kokopu.
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Digital model showing the three stages of the Strawberry sea cucumber.
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The completed painted specimen models showing the three stages.
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Visitors touch the bronze Kiwi bird feet