We have been growing and refining the Museum’s collections for over 80 years.
At the heart of the collection are taonga Māori ad Pacifica artefacts, as well as heritage material related to Waipā’s colonial period and Te Riri o te Pakanga New Zealand Land Wars. The Museum archives contain examples of our documentary heritage, including historic photographs, maps, whakapapa and family histories.
We rely on the generous offers of heritage items from the public and we welcome donations of objects and archives that fit within the scope of the collection. Every item offered to the Museum is assessed against a range of criteria. This includes having a strong link to Wāipa’s heritage, relevance to our current collection – and our ability to house and preserve it long term.
ACCESS TO THE COLLECTION
Less than 10% of our collections are on display in the galleries at any one time.
With over 18,000+ artefacts and over 200 linear metres of archives, it would be impossible to fit everything into our exhibition spaces.
Many of the items in storage are also very fragile and are not robust enough to be on display for long periods.
Most of the collection is held in secure storage, but can possibly be accessed by appointment or through digital access.
KAITIAKITANGA TAONGA
The Te Awamutu Museum team cares for taonga Māori in consultation with mana whenua within the hapū and iwi of the Waipā district and beyond into the Waikato. The Museum acknowledges its obligations to ngā iwi Māori in terms of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Tikanga processes and protocols are practiced efficiently as required in conjunction with iwi guidance.
It is understood that Uenuku is one of Waikato-Tainui’s most esteemed taonga and every consideration for his care is taken in collaboration with his kaitiaki, supported by the Kīngitanga.
Do you have a donation offer?
If you’re interested in gifting your Waipā treasures to the Museum, fill in a Research Enquiry form.
Historical Stories
Amazing stories of the lives and times of the Waipā District.
Te Awamutu Museum’s Digitising Project
The digitisation project has included the Te Awamutu Courier years 1936 – 1950.
New Acquisition for Museum
A whāriki woven by renowned weaver Dr. Kahutoi Te Kanawa is our latest taonga.
CARING FOR OUR HERITAGE
The Museum is committed to providing access to local heritage for future generations. We use preventive conservation techniques to ensure the best possible standard of care for heritage items in our collection. Because of their fragility, some items will not be exhibited in the galleries, but can possibly be viewed by appointment utilised for research purposes.
FAMILY AND HERITAGE AT HOME
There are many online resources to help you care for your family treasures. You can find information and preservation guides on the National Library’s website and Te Papa’s National Services website. If you have something you would like restored by a professional conservator, have a look at the website of the NZ Conservators of Cultural Materials.
You welcome you to get in touch with us for advice.
NEWSPAPERS AND PAMPHLETS
Historical pamphlets and newspapers including the Waipā Post and Te Awamutu Courier.
MAPS
Historical maps of Te Awamutu and surrounding towns and sites of significance.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Over 6000 historical photographs of people, places and events. Most of these archives have been digitised.
ARCHIVES
Family/personal papers and records from local families and organisations with the Waipā district.
RESEARCH AT THE MUSEUM
The Museum’s archival collection includes paper, film and digital documents. These archives are used to research everything from historic sites and landmarks, to businesses, sports clubs, schools, churches, family genealogy, and more.
Archives are valuable documents and need to be protected from theft, mishandling and other environmental factors. For this reason they are stored in secure, climate-controlled areas with restricted access. Unlike libraries where you can browse the shelves for books, archives are retrieved for researchers by the Museum Collections team.
At the current location the centre has a great research space open for public use during opening hours during the week. Please make enquires to reception staff.
THE ARCHIVAL COLLECTION
The archive collection holds historic documents, newspapers, family histories and photographs related to social history within the Waipā district.
Anyone can view archives by appointment, or we can conduct research on your behalf. Please allow two weeks for a response to your enquiry.
FREE DIGITISE YOUR VALUABLE ARCHIVES
Self-scan your negatives, slides, photographs, and special documents!
Book the Research Room during opening hours 10am-4pm Mon-Fri.
Contact us for more information on 07 872 0085 or museum@waipadc.govt.nz
FREE USE OF THE ON-SITE ANCESTRY SUBSCRIPTION
Use Ancestry for your family history research.
Book the Research Room during opening hours 10am-4pm Mon-Fri.
Contact us for more information on 07 872 0085 or museum@waipadc.govt.nz
