Apples celebrated at colourful museum exhibition

December 7th, 2015
[by David Armstrong]

The importance of the apple industry to the history and future of Motueka is highlighted in a special major exhibition that opens today at the Motueka Museum.

The free exhibition, which will run throughout summer and finish in March, was launched on Saturday to 30 selected guests, mainly people in the apple industry and members of the local historical groups.

The theme covers the history, economic benefits, transportation, packing, local innovations and inventions which were used by many orchardists around the world.

The exhibition has a focus week called Apple Week in late February where there will be special visits by school children, events, competitions (including making apple pies!).

Prominent local orchardist Paul Hayward opened the exhibition, called "All About Apples", with a very quick scan of the history of apple orchards in the district, starting from soon after the first European settlers arrived.

The first plantation that could be called an orchard was on Dehra Doon Road, and by the 1870s there were several in Riwaka and the Motueka Valley.

The first apple exports happened in 1908, and in 1911 the first New Zealand fruit growers association was formed, with its national conference held in Motueka.

Paul acknowledged the long-standing involvement and contribution of several families in the district who have been operating orchards for more than 100 years, in particular the Rowlings and the Eastons.

Members of these and other families have been leaders of or served on various national fruit growers groups.

The exhibition itself manages to cram a huge amount of information in wonderful bite-sized quantities, against a very colourful backdrop, in the tiny space available in the Museum building. The painted and crafted backdrops and props are worth a visit in themselves.

Particularly appealing and helpful are the small open-up discovery snippets covered by red apples, on the theme of "Do you know?". People of all ages including children will appreciate learning about the various factoids, some of them quite hilarious.

The museum is open on Mondays to Fridays from 10am - 3pm, and on Sundays from 10am - 2pm. A donation is appreciated.

"Do you know?" Interesting facts in an instant

Orchardists and history buffs compare notes about old news clippings and documents

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

[ Return ]
[ Other news articles ]

We wish to thank these local community-minded businesses who generously sponsor our site. They recognise the value of supporting this community asset, and in return Motueka Online is pleased to use and recommend their services whenever appropriate.

Ray White Motueka, Nelson Building Society, House of Travel,
, Steph Wills Dental Surgery, Unichem Pharmacy