Waipā encompasses significant natural and cultural features which are part of our heritage and must be protected and enhanced.

Waipā is graced with numerous distinctive natural features, such as Maungatautari, Pirongia, and Kakepuku maunga. The presence of the Waikato, Waipā, and Puniu Rivers, as well as their main tributaries like the Mangopiko stream and the peat lakes, contributes to the overall sense of place in Waipā. These natural elements not only enhance our way of life but also hold significant cultural importance for Mana Whenua and Iwi.

These natural heritage features are important to the health and wellbeing of the district and its community. We acknowledge this through the development of a strong heritage foundation that is enhanced by local stories, people and place.

Waipā District’s cultural heritage includes natural artefacts, sites of significance, monuments and buildings. It also includes museums that care for a diversity of items including their cultural, historic, artistic, ethnological and social significance.

This page is dedicated to three main areas of heritage:

  • Waipā Public Art Collection – Digitised database of the collection that includes artworks on show.
  • Waipā Monuments – Digitised collection of images and information pertaining to memorials located around the district.
  • Waipā Heritage Stories – Identified stories sourced from a wide range of events, people and built heritage.

Waipā Public Art Collection

Digitised images and information about the artwork and its maker.

Waipā Monuments

Digitised collection of images and information pertaining to memorials located around the district

Waipā Heritage Stories

Amazing stories of the lives and times of people and places in the Waipā.

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 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 are welcome to get in touch with us for advice.