OTAKI MUSEUM

Main Street Exhibition - extended

2012-01-26T17:31:00.000-08:00

Our Main Street exhibition is going so well we've decided to extend it for a few more weeks. People are really enjoying seeing old places and faces they remember from "the good old days".

The old Main Street looking west past the Central Hotel (right). The Edhouses building is the two-storey brown building (centre).

Paint the Town

2011-10-06T19:06:00.001-07:00

Our new community art exhibition - Paint the Town - is awesome (even if we say so ourselves). We've had contributers aged from just 18 months to over 80! It is a first for the museum and a wonderful way to see the town through the eyes of its residents. We certainly have some very creative people out there! Head Like a Hole as pegs, anybody?

We also have art stations within the museum, and for a gold coin donation visitors can make their own peg person or art canvas, showing their view of Otaki. A great activity for the school holidays. The exhibition is open for the weekend of the Arts Trail, Saturday and Sunday 1-2 October, from 9 am – 5 pm, and after that it will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10am – 2pm until 29 October.

Hidden Gems - Showing 12 August -10 September 2011

2011-08-25T14:26:00.001-07:00

This exhibition showcases recent acquisitions and rarely-seen objects from the Museum’s collections alongside short films by Errol Maffey. Many of these objects and films are being shown publicly for the first time and all give a unique insight into Otaki and its people.

The main exhibition space contains an eclectic mix of objects and artefacts selected from the museum storerooms. There is everything from gaudy glittered postcards, old coins and fine china through to 1960’s dresses, a moa bone and a scale model of the local stone crusher. Just as people tell stories, so do objects. We invite you to look carefully and hear each object speak about its past.

Raised in Island Bay, Errol Maffey moved to Otaki Beach in 2000 to live in the bach built by his grandfather. He was inspired to start recording present-day Otaki after watching a screening of historic films at the Civic Theatre in 2006. These films were the work of the New Zealand Moving Picture Company (Maoriland Films) which was established by Byron Brown and other leading Otaki citizens in the 1920s.

With an eye for the quirky, Errol’s DVD productions delightfully capture the culture of our town and record many of the special events, characters and community organisations that contribute to the rich and growing story of Otaki.
Hidden Gems celebrates the eccentric, the eclectic, the unique and the ordinary things that make our town so special.

Come in and see!

New Exhibition - Life in the Gorge - Opens 30 April 2011

2011-04-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

LIFE IN THE GORGE

Journey with us up the Otaki Gorge to explore its rugged terrain and pioneering past

Otaki Forks, painting by Len Cutten (1985), Jim and Kate Carrroll Collection

30 April – 30 July 2011
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
10am – 2pm
Free Admission

New Exhibition

2011-02-24T18:55:00.001-08:00

The Otaki Museum is proud to present the latest exhibition “Otaki Faces and Places” - a collection of images spanning 150 years, capturing both personalities and landscapes special to Otaki.

We invite you to view this exhibition which contains many images and taonga (treasures), some of which have not been on public display before. The museum is open 10am – 2pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday and we are happy to accommodate groups outside of these hours.

Latest Exhibition

2010-12-05T13:27:00.001-08:00

Latest Exhibition - Ernest Papps 13 November-23 November 2010

2010-11-14T17:16:00.000-08:00

Local Artist - Ernest Papps

2010-11-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

Born in England Ernest Papps came to New Zealand in 1955 settling in Wellington where he worked as a commercial artist. During this time Ernest would spend his weekends exploring the bush or roaming the streets of Wellington “dashing off watercolours”.

Ernest also found work as a free-lance illustrator. His illustrative work will be well known to generations of New Zealand children who grew up reading the hugely successful Price Milburn School Readers. Ernest illustrated more than 100 titles, many of which are here on display.

Since moving to Otaki in 1972 Ernest has been painting full-time. A keen nature lover and tramper Ernest’s oil paintings draw on the classical and traditional techniques of the old masters and are inspired by the light and colour of the New Zealand landscape. From the hills and beaches of the Kapiti Coast to the Whanganui River valley and the West Coast of the South Island, Ernest has spent the past fifty-five years capturing New Zealand’s awesome and diverse scenery on canvas.

Fascinated by the history and isolation of New Zealand pioneering life, stage coaches, gold miners and settlers have also been the subject of many of Ernest’s paintings. “What” he asks “could be more romantic than an old prospector following his dream”. Ernest’s work unashamedly celebrates New Zealand landscape, history and culture.

Otaki Museum is proud to present Ernest’s first solo exhibition in Otaki.

Opening of Te Whakanikoniko Exhibition

2010-10-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

Awesome exhibition opening for Te Whakanikoniko - an exhibition of artworks by Te Wananga o Raukawa students and tutors. This town's full of talent! Exhibition on 15 October - 6 November, 2010. Don't miss it!

Latest Exhibition - Te Whakanikoniko

2010-10-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

The second part of our “Showcase of Otaki Artists” is an exhibition of Toi Whakarākai artworks by Te Wānanga o Raukawa students and tutors. This is open until 6 November – make sure you see the lovely weaving, carving and other creations. It will be followed by part three, an exhibition of paintings by Otaki’s Ernest Papps, inspired by New Zealand’s awesome landscape. This will run from 13-23 November.

Showcase of Otaki Artists - Dragan Stojanovic

2010-09-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

Over the coming months, Otaki Museum is hosting a series of exhibitions by local artists. The first of the featured artists is the late Dragan Stojanovic. The exhibition - a family affair - will include works by his sons, Stevan and Alex, and his daughter-in-law, Federica Gatti.

Throughout the 1960s, Dragan worked in commercial art while continuing to paint at home. In 1965 and 1966 he was commissioned to carve polystyrene figures of an animal orchestra, Old King Cole and Cinderella’s Golden Coach for Kirkaldie and Stains Christmas displays.

In 1970, the Stojanovics moved to Yugoslavia where they stayed for three years. After returning to live in Wellington, Dragan joined the Academy of Fine Arts as an artist member and began to work full-time as a painter from 1975. He exhibited around New Zealand and won several awards, including the Williams and BP Art Awards. The BP Art Award theme was called ‘On the Move’. The family laughed because the winning painting flew off the trailer on the way to the exhibition – truly on the move!

In 1985, then aged 60, Dragon designed and built a house on a large section in Otaki. He died in June 1999, leaving behind an enduring legacy and an abundant work.

The Dragan Stojanovic Exhibition will be followed by Te Whakanikoniko: artworks by Te Wānanga o Raukawa students and tutors. The final exhibition in the series will feature paintings by local landscape painter, Ernest Papps.

Colouring Competition - Click below

2010-04-20T22:51:00.000-07:00

OUR WINNING ENTRY BY PAIGE, WAITOHU SCHOOL

All entries to be sent or delivered to Otaki Museum by 8 May 2010.

Larger copies available from the museum.

North Road - 24th April - 28 August 2010

2010-03-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

This exhibition, on loan from Pataka Museum and Gallery, references a map of the old Porirua Road drawn in 1849 by Thomas Fitzgerald, which traces the route from Johnsonville to Paekakariki. It draws on the dairy entries of early travellers who ventured north of Wellington, and features drawings, prints and paintings. To complement North Road there will also be a smaller display of images documenting the development of the road from Paekakariki to Otaki.

Paikakariki Hill, 1877, Charles Decimus Barraud

Te Horo Book Launch

2010-03-12T14:52:00.000-08:00

The official book launch for “Changing Faces of Te Horo”, will be held at St Margaret's Church, Te Horo on Sunday, 28 March, 2010. The publication records the exhibition “Changing Faces of Te Horo” sponsored by the Otaki Heritage Bank Preservation Trust and open to the public at the Otaki Museum, from August to October 2009. The exhibition and publication are the culmination of a two year process that began with a desire to celebrate Te Horo and its community.

Te Horo resident and Otaki Museum Trustee, Catherine Gibson, was appointed to manage the project and a team of volunteers was assembled to help with research. Over a dozen oral history interviews with Te Horo’s older residents were recorded. These oral history interviews include accounts of hardship during the Depression, the challenges of the wartime years, and the more recent subdivision of Te Horo’s old farms. Here, then, is an illustrated record of Te Horo’s past, founded on the memories of local people.

Update: The book is now available for sale from Otaki Museum, Otaki Travel Ltd, The Red House Cafe and selected agents.

News from Otaki Museum

2010-03-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

Now that the sun's finally arrived, we've decided to extend our summer exhibition. Already more than 600 people have been through the doors, including visitors from as far afield as Boston and Nottingham. “Lovely display of local history”, “a rush of old memories” and “very meanage!” were just some of the comments made by those who visited.

One of the exhibition highlights is a display of more than 30 historic photographs, telling the story of places along the Pipi Trail, including the Telegraph Hotel, Te Wananga o Raukawa, All Saints Church, Rangiatea, Tainui Marae and St Mary's, Pukekaraka (150 years old in 2009!).

The recently launched Pipi Trail brochure makes it easier than ever to find a new way to get out there and explore beautiful and historic Otaki. Brochures can be collected free of charge from the museum desk.

The exhibition is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am-2pm until the 5th of April, 2010.

Born in Otaki - Part 2

2010-02-19T17:48:00.000-08:00

Sir Gu y Richardson Powles, ONZ, KBE, CMG (b. Otaki 1905, died 24 October 1994). New Zealand diplomat, last Governor of Western Samoa and architect of Samoan independence, and New Zealand's first Ombudsman.

Tungia Baker, (b. Otaki 1941; died 2005). Well-known actress, artist,and teacher of karanga. She was best known for her role as Hira in the 1993 internationally acclaimed film The Piano.

Sir W ill ia m Gaston Walkley , CBE (b. Otaki 1896; died 12 April 1976). Oil company exec, founder of AMPOL, and president of the Australian Soccer Federation (1963-1970). In 1956 he founded the Walkley Awards, the premier award for excellence in Australian journalism.

Mystery Photos

2010-02-19T17:05:00.000-08:00

With several thousand photographs in our collection, we're bound to have a few we can't identify. We have been displaying some of these photos in the museum foyer and have and a great response with many names now being put to previously unidentified faces. We are also printing a "mystery photo" each month as part of our regular column for the Otaki Mail.

Can you help us identify some of the people, places and events in these photographs?

We believe the roller skaters (left) are at the Otaki Beach skating rink c.1960. There is a suggestion that the tall man is Bunny Honiss. Do you know who his skating partner is? The couple to the right are Pat Lendorf and Earl Hazlewood.

The kids on the jungle gym (right) are at a lamb and calf day at Te Horo School sometime in the 1970s. Do you know their names?

The happy bride and groom (below)are unidentified. These photos are part of a set and were not taken in Otaki.

Latest exhibition - Summer 2009-10

2009-12-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

The aim of the newly launched Pipi Trail is to tell stories of Otaki's past, highlighting the town’s most historic sites. As part of our summer exhibition, Otaki Museum is showcasing places along the Pipi Trail, including Te Wananga o Raukawa, All Saints Church, Rangiatea, Tainui Marae and St Mary's, Pukekaraka (150 years old in 2009!). Pipi Trail Brochures can be collected from the front desk. Enjoy!

Competition results

2009-12-10T14:44:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to all who entered our photo competition. The challenge was to capture the spirit of Otaki and lots of wonderful were images submitted.

Winner: Frank Thorne "Eels at Raukawa Marae"

Runner up: Michelle Baker "Margaret Long and Aunty Hira at Otaki Women's Health Centre"

Runner up: Hemaima McMeekin "Kids and their Catch"

All photographs are now on display and summer visitors have the opportunity to vote for the "Peoples Choice" Award.

If you have a great photo of Otaki that you would like to share, bring it in!

he waiata - a song

2009-11-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

HE PURU TAITAMA!

He pūru taitama e
He pūru taitama hoki!
He pūru taitama
He pūru tukituki
He pūru taitama e.

Ka haere tāua e
Ki runga Otaki hoki.
Kei reira tāua
whaka-rite-rite ai
whaka-oti-oti ai e.

Translation: (I'm) a strong young man! A real young bull! A vigourous lad! A rampaging bull! A husky young man! You and I are going way beyond Otaki. And there we can arrange a conclusion.

Image:Kia Toa Rugby team, Horowhenua Champions 1909-10. Kingi Tahiwi standing at left. Otaki Museum

FROM OTAKI WITH LOVE

The cheeky Maori love song He Puru Taitama was written by a young Kingi Tahiwi in 1909 while he was working for an Otaki law firm. The object of his affection was his future wife Jane Armstrong. In 1930 Kingi Tahiwi's brother and sisters, The Tahiwis, made a recording of He Puru Taitama which was distributed by Parlophone, and quickly taken up by other bands.

During WWII, He Puru Taitama proved popular with the troops, particularly a bawdy variant sung in Italy by members of the Maori Battalion. Pakeha soldiers brought the song back from Italy with them and it's popularity increased. Later, the song was sung throughout the Pacific to entertain tourists, including in Hawaii. From Hawaii, as Epo i tai tai e, it spread to Girl Scouts across America, who were told the tune was a Native American one, meaning "I will be happy".

Very catchy and and lots of fun (expecially with actions) E po i tai tai e has now been published and recorded all over the world, including a version by the Wiggles! Below are the revised (and non-sensical) lyrics.

E po i tai tai
E po i taitai e
E po i taitai hoki
E po i taitai
E po i tukituki
E po i tukituki e

Below are links to different performances of Puru Taitama and E po. Ka pai!

Listen to the Tahiwis sing the original Puru Taitama
Puru Taitama in the movie What Becomes of the Broken Hearted
Spanish Music Video with Epo Lyrics
In a Notre-Dame-de-Bondeville chapel - beautiful
In a Belgian backyard
A Hawaiian Girl Scouts Video with Melinda Caroll
Brazillian boys do a remix
Swiss kids play Epo i tai tai on ukelele
The Wiggles sing the tooki tooki song
And look here for an African warrior version! It’s brilliant!

OTAKI PHOTO COMPETITION

2009-10-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

As part our summer exhibition, Otaki Museum is running an exciting competition aimed at capturing the spirit of our place. We are looking for photographs that create a snap shot of Otaki life in 2009.

The goal of this competition is for the Otaki Museum to build a collection of contemporary photographs. The photographs will become a community record, capturing today for tomorrow’s history

The challenge is to try and convey a feeling of what Otaki means, as well as what it looks like. Ask yourself, ‘What is it that makes the place where I live special?’’

All entries will be displayed at the Museum for the duration of the summer exhibition. The “People’s Choice” winner will be announced on Saturday 27 February 2010 at 2pm at the Otaki Museum.

Entry Forms are available at the Museum

Born in Otaki - Part I

2009-08-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

Inia Te Wiata - Maori Opera Singer and Carver

Iain "Huey" Hewitson - Aussie Celebrity Chef

Brent Wong - Painter

Latest Exhibion - The Changing Face of Te Horo

2009-08-12T19:32:00.001-07:00

Te Horo - 8 August -31 October

2009-08-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

Over seventy people attended the Changing Faces of Te Horo opening on 7 August. Lifelong Te Horo resident Betty Empson, helped open the event with a talk about the land and the local people. Our guests mingled and enjoyed delicious nibbles provided by Te Horo's famous Red House Cafe. Feedback was very positive!

The exhibition team has created a very atmospheric venue, complete with haybales, a postbox and even a Te Horo stonewall! As well as looking fabulous, there's also loads of information and some great images.

The exhibition will be on show until 31 October, giving members of the public a chance to find out more about Te Horo and its story.

Many thanks to our kind sponsors and all those who worked on the project.

Links to Te Horo

Latest Exhibition - 12 June - 18 July

2009-06-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

Weaving, Painting, Adornments, Carving, Kohatu...and more

Waka outside museum for exhibition opening

Latest Exhibition - Extended to 23rd May 2009

2009-04-17T19:11:00.001-07:00

Friends

2009-04-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

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!

Where We Are

2009-04-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

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!