Korowai

Create a colourful Kākahu – Māori Cloak!

The Back Porch Gallery is showcasing an interactive kākahu activity where you get to choose a feather, write your name on it and attach it to the traditional kākahu illustration on the wall. The image above is harakeke (flax) leaf blades that can be harvested, hand processed then twisted to make muka – the fibre strands, handwoven aho (weft) and whenu (warp) of a kākahu.

The image to the right is an example of a kākahu from the Museum collection made from contemporary materials and feathers.

Kākahu feathered cloak by Pare Hughes from the Te Awamutu Museum Collection: #12615

Pekapeka in Aotearoa New Zealand

Did you know?

Aotearoa New Zealand has two living species of endemic bats, found here in Aotearoa. The short-tailed pekapeka is endangered, at risk and declining. The long-tailed pekapeka is also endangered and classified as nationally vulnerable. A third species; the greater short-tailed bat is thought to be extinct. Pekapeka are known to habitat in the Waipā, however, with Waikato undergoing rapid development bat habitats are decreasing due to loss of roost trees, increase in street lighting and an increase in predators like domestic cats.

Find out more information on these amazing mammals in the display on the Back Porch Gallery. Lots of information, images and activities. Part of this exhibition is in collaboration with local school Pekapekarau. As part of their learning about the local curriculum, they connection with Project Echo to find out more about pekapeka and the original name of the school which led to a hui with local Māori that signalled a change their school name to Pekapekarau – multitude of bats! We have some great artwork from pupils and some amazing videos showcasing pupils stories about pekapeka.

On display from October 2022 – January 2023.

Short-tailed_bat_-_Nga_Manu_Nature_Reserve

To The Dogs

A celebration of the working dog!

A celebration of man’s best friend and the work they do in our community. Learn all about Police dogs, Detector dogs and Search & Rescue dogs.

Lots of FREE fun activities – make your own puppy finger puppet, games and a trail hunt! We’re also collecting for Waipā District Pound, so please bring in some new toys and treats!

We Love Eels

We Love Eels!

An amazing display of our favourite river omnivore – the long fin eel. See why we think this amazing eel is so special here in the Waipā! Get to know its lifecycle where mature eels swim all the way to Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean to lay their eggs. Then the elvers drift on the currents back to Aotearoa New Zealand to rivers where their parents grew up. An amazing lifecycle and journey to grow up in the Waipā rivers.

Enjoy activities like gauging how strong you are to pick up an 80 year old toy long fin eel! There are more activities for all the whānau to do and share their love of this very special eel by participating in a wall mural made up of lots of long fin eels!

Kōkako

Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society

This month we highlight the amazing work the restoration society undertakes with Kōkako translocation. We also have information on Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust and the Waipā District Council Heritage Fund. There are brochures, images and crafty activities, a great way for whānau to complete together.

Did you know, Kōkako survive today in managed isolation. It is endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand, meaning it can only be found here. It is not a threatened bird, however, all North Island populations can only be sustained in managed situations as all unmanaged populations are extinct.

Here are some images from the exhibition from the Pirongia Restoration Society Inc. about the work they do from Kōkako relocation to pest control.