Mangawhai Historical Society  

Mangawhai Historical Society began planning and fundraising for its new museum in the late 1990s.

August 2011
In 2003 a feasibility study confirmed that the existing museum was no longer big enough and that its valuable exhibits needed better environmental conditions.

Since that time volunteers have raised over $640,000 for the $1.6m project, with Kaipara District Council providing the new site.
Grants, donated materials and donated labour will cover the rest of the costs.

With input from Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Society has engaged exhibition designer Chris Currie and the focus has been developed within the framework of the Northland Museums Strategy, supported by heritage consultant Ken Gorbey.

The new museum will tell not only the story of the Mangawhai Harbour, drawing on early settler and Māori material. It will also feature and highlight the natural history, conservation and holiday stories of the area.

The project is a strong fit with ASB Community Trust’s heritage funding strategy, which requires comprehensive plans supported by a sound feasibility study. The museum also has strong professional and community support. A $200,000 grant is helping the project.

www.mangawhai-museum.org.nz