Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Fossil Preparation Laboratory

Te Papa is looking to engage a Main Contractor to install a Fossil Preparation Laboratory at their research and collection storage facility located at 169 Tory St, Te Aro, Wellington.

The proposed 25M square Laboratory will be constructed within an existing collection store room by installing two floor-to-ceiling walls and a set of double doors. The desired outcome is a laboratory which will allow technicians to safely bring fossils on site, extract them from rock substrate and prepare them for study, storage, or transit.

The new laboratory will be equipped for fossil preparation, requiring specific installations for fume and dust extraction, and washing/waste facilities. The project will involve the relocation of an existing fume cupboard from its current location in a Science Laboratory on Level 3, down to the new Fossil Lab on Level 2. Penetration of the concrete floor slab and extending the existing duct work will be required.

The safe extraction of dust and fumes during fossil preparation is a main consideration for this Lab. Another consideration is preventing dust or leaks from escaping from the lab into the collection store.

Services required will be-
• Construction
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Electrical
• Fire

Due to the restricted location of the facility- Within Te Papa’s facility which holds part of the National Collection, Te Papa is seeking contractors who have demonstrated experience working in similar locations, such as- Museums, Scientific Laboratories or Universities.

This project has received Wellington City Council Building Consent Approval.

Department/Business Unit: Project Management