Our Museum:

*is housed in the restored 1918 BNZ building on Main Street

*researches the history of Otaki and the surrounding district

*collects objects, stories, and images of interest

* has an extensive photographic collection and many early copies of the town's newspaper, the Otaki Mail

* holds archival material relating to the town, including records from Otaki School and the Otaki Borough Council

* records and collects oral history interviews

* tells Otaki's stories through a changing exhibition programme

* is digitising its collections.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Latest Exhibition - Extended to 23rd May 2009




Friends


The Friends of the Otaki Museum is a group for those wishing to support the museum's ongoing work.
At present we have over a 170 members who offer support through ideas, practical effort and financial contributions.
We also have a core group who, week after week, volunteer their time to host visitors and share their knowledge. They do a great job and help make the museum a more welcoming place. We would almost certainly be lost without them.

By joining our community of supporters, you can help us preserve and promote the stories of Otaki and its people.

As a member of the Friends you will also:
  • receive the "Friends" newsletter

  • be able to attend private views and events held at the Museum
  • be able to participate in local Museum projects
  • broaden your knowledge of the town and district

We would love to hear from you!

Nau mai, haere mai!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Where We Are

Our Town

Otaki is one of New Zealand's oldest urban settlements and is the pre-eminent historical place on the Kapiti Coast. The town is situated on State Highway 1, half way between Wellington and Palmerston North. It marks the northernmost point of the Wellington Region. The town's population is 5600 (2001 Census).

The town is sited close to the banks of the Otaki River, some three kilometres from its outflow into the Tasman Sea. It is divided into three main parts, Otaki Beach which is mainly residential , the larger and more inland Otaki village which contains the museum, shops and residential areas and along State Highway 1, the part known locally as Otaki Railway.

Our Place

The Otaki Museum building is one of the most historic and prominent on Main street. It was originally built as the Bank of New Zealand in 1918. It was then the Council Chamber for the Otaki Borough Council from 1967 to 1989 and housed the local service centre of the Kapiti Coast District Council until 1998.

It has been restored by the Museum Trust from its near derelict condition to a state that reflects and respects its historic beginnings. The building incorporates fine timber panelling, an elegant staircase, stained glass windows and beautiful pressed metal ceilings.

To find us turn left at the roundabout on the Main Highway. Keep on driving until you reach the township...you can't miss us!

Followers