Te Papa regularly lends collection items to other heritage organisations in New Zealand and overseas. Transit can be very risky. Collections need to be protected as they move through buildings, onto transport, through airports and customs, up stairs, or through windows.
Object support for transit involves protecting collections from shock, vibration, material vapours, changes in temperature and humidity, and unpacking. Crates and support systems are made to keep even the most fragile, awkward, and sensitive items safe in transit.
A stable environment is one of the most effective ways to prevent damage to collections. Outside the museum building, collections in transit may move through many different environmental conditions. Stability must be provided by specialized packing and enclosures.
Some collections also receive special crate or tray supports for their long-term storage. This protects them and enables people to move the items safely and store them efficiently.