Motueka Museum - Looking forward over our past

About us

140 High Street, Motueka
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Curator: Pauline Westall

Opening Hours:
Summer (Dec to March):
Monday to Friday 10am - 3pm, Sunday 10am - 2pm
Winter (April to Nov):
Tuesday to Friday 10am - 3pm, Sunday 10am - 2pm
Free admission, but a donation is appreciated
Website: www.motuekadistrictmuseum.org.nz

Situated in the town centre, the museum is housed in the old Motueka High School building which was built in 1913. The museum in 2013 celebrated the centenary of the building and the quarter century of the museum itself.

The museum displays artefacts reflecting Motueka's past, both first settlers (Maori) and European settlers.

As well as static displays, the museum holds changing exhibitions throughout the year. The main exhibition runs from December through to June, showcasing one area of our history. The Motueka Camera Club holds its annual exhibition of members work in July.

Over the last few years there has been much in the way of updating and revamping existing static displays and the installation of two new, permanent, displays. They are:

A geology entrance
Taonga room (renewed)
Transport and Horticulture up to the 1950s - new
Tobacco - the history of growing tobacco in Motueka and surrounds - new
Ship's berth, made to scale, telling of the hardships endured by our early settlers (renewed)
Coppins' shop, saddlers and tent makers - the oldest business in Motueka, est. 1898 and still a family business today
Plus -
* A kitchen showing contemporary household gadgets from the late 1800s/early 1900s
* Antique surgical instruments, many from local practitioners

Exhibitions and happenings in coming months

Grandma's kitchen - what memories does that evoke? Warmth, aromas, baking, happy times?

Well our new exhibition is all about Grandma's kitchen, with artefacts mainly from the 1940s and 50s, plus some either side of those decades. There is bound to be something for everyone to look at and recall memories of childhood times spent and grandparents during the holidays or other times.

It is only on for a short time, so the school holidays would be a good time to come and have look. Don't forget we are also open on Sundays (10-2). Our weekday times are Tuesday to Friday 10-3. The exhibition finishes Friday 30th October 2015.

Board officers and members

Board Chairman: Anne Thompson
Deputy Chairman: John Westall
Secretary/Treasurer: Jen Calder
Curator: Pauline Westall
Board members:
  Margaret Woodley
  Sue Clark
  Jennifer Stilwell
  Stew Fowler
MCB Rep: David Ogilvie
Historical Assn. rep: Eileen Stewart
Iwi Rep: Rima Piggott
Patrons: Peter Assaf, John Hurley
Honorary Auditor: John Murphy
Volunteer Roster: Heather Whittaker