MUSEUM
The 150 year celebrations in 2003 saw a modern extension added to The House of Memories for the safer housing of the collection. In 2008 a new exhibition was established, largely inspired by the 2003 Grand Pageant which had “opened everybody’s eyes” to the tremendous emotive power of the migration story.
The Waipu Museum has achieved a huge amount over the past 15 years:
- The conversion of a charming “granny’s attic” into a modern story telling museum
- The restoration of Waipu’s Old Manse
- The rescue and acquisition of two more heritage buildings
- The establishment of a ‘Men’s Shed’ in one of these buildings
- The production of numerous theatrical and fund-raising events
- Being twice a finalist in the national Museum’s Aotearoa Awards
- Recipient of a UNESCO ‘Memory of the World’ Award
- The establishment of the annual “Art n Tartan” Wearable Art Awards
- The creation of a village exhibition commemorating Waipu’s involvement in the Great War
- A comprehensive plan for the future includes plans to foster greater awareness of the Maori life of the district prior to European settlement
