The Otago Museum is internationally renowned for its long-standing, leading role in a variety of research fields, ranging from comprehensive studies of New Zealand insects to Oceanic textiles and artefacts. 

The research is carried out by a number of Curators and Honorary Curators and aims to increase knowledge in specialist fields using the wealth of information associated with the artefacts and specimens at the Museum. At the same time we aim to build on knowledge and experience in the techniques required to better enable the Museum to preserve our valuable collection items. 

The following describes some of our active research areas: 

Otago Ceramics - An investigation is underway into the famous pottery from Benhar, Otago, involving an archaeological dig at the old Benhar ceramics mill site. Information will reveal comparative data of known age that can be used to identify and date items found in our and others' collections.
 
Melanesian History - Detailed studies of items in our large collection of artefacts from parts of Melanesia are being carried out to piece together and increase our knowledge of the human history of these fascinating areas. 
 
Anthropology - The life and work of HD Skinner (a previous Director at Otago Museum) is being researched so that we might begin to understand the profound impact his work had world-wide in the field of anthropology plus the basis behind the extensive Humanities collections we have at the Museum. 
 
Katipo Spider - we are conducting a nation-wide review and study of the conservation status of the endangered endemic katipo spider to provide information about factors impacting on its distribution and survival. The study will take into account how disturbance to its coastal sand dune habitat has meant that the spider has disappeared from many areas close to human habitation. 
 
New Zealand Ants - an illustrated popular guide to our ant species is being compiled for publication given that in warmer parts of New Zealand many introduced species are now conspicuous and important economically. 
 
Copper Butterflies - intensive field-work over the last few years has uncovered at least 40 new species of copper butterfly in New Zealand. These are now being studied ready for taxonomic and biogeographical descriptions, including mapping and understanding the distribution of the butterflies. 

Day-flying Moths - A group of 12 day-flying coastal moth species in the genus Notoreas are being named, following an extensive study of their distributions, biology and conservation status.
 
Solitary Wasps - Ongoing research elucidating the life-history of the New Zealand solitary wasp species nation-wide is continuing.