Te Awamutu Museum
About the Museum
Waikato’s first Museum grew from the private collection of Gavin Gifford, and was first situated above the Gifford’s bookshop on Alexandra Street, in Te Awamutu. In 1935 the collection was gifted to the Te Awamutu Historical Society and formally became the Gavin Gifford Memorial Museum. The aims of the Society were to establish and develop a Museum in Te Awamutu That would collect and display objects of historical value to the district.
Waipā – Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho
Waipā – Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho. Waipā’s Treasured Legacy – three social history galleries offering an overview of early Māori settlement into the Waipā, life pre-European through to the industrial achievements of the 1960s in the Waipā district. Interpretive stories, historical accounts, objects and taonga Māori, visualise treasured moments in the development of the Waipā.
We are fortunate to house Uenuku, the oldest known taonga Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Exhibitions on Show!
The Gavin Gifford Gallery – a long-term gallery for collaborative exhibitions, art displays, and touring shows. The Front Porch Gallery – is a short-term community space highlighting stories and visual displays by the local community. It also showcases various anniversary celebrations, commemorations and arts projects. The Back Porch Gallery – is a new community engaging space that highlights environmental projects through visual images and activities.
Events & Public Programmes
The Museum offers a range of art, craft and workshop activities for all ages and levels of difficulty. Most of which are FREE to attend or a low costs to participants. Please keep up to date with what’s on with the Events Calendar or our Facebook. Current Covid restrictions will be clearly marked within the Museum, if in doubt please phone 07 872 0085, check the website, or call in at 135 Roche Street, Te Awamutu.
Teacher Feedback
Students were studying the Land Wars at school which included a day at the Museum with Kerrin the Education Facilitator. Students had a half hour of interactive learning followed by an hour out at the sites which included Rangiaowhia a
Address
135 Roche Street, Te Awamutu, Waipā
Call Us
(+64) 7 872 0085
Email Us
museum@waipadc.govt.nz