Exhibitions
The Ōtaki Museum has hosted a wide range of exhibitions. They have had an Ōtaki focus and covered a mix of local people, activities, places and events. To find out more about some of the past exhibitions, the current exhibition, and future exhibitions please scroll down the page or click the buttons below.
Current exhibition
Te Whakaaturanga o Te Tahamoana o Ōtaki |
Ōtaki Beach Exhibition
March 2024
This exhibition about Ōtaki features the beach settlement: from pā to baches and seaside villas.
Past exhibitions
Below you can review some of the exhibitions the museum has hosted in the past. For further information about any of these past exhibitions, please contact us.
Phone 06 364 6886
Email admin@otakimuseum.co.nz
Visit 49 Main Street, Ōtaki
Te Wahi ara Tereina | The Railway
April 2023 – early 2024
This exhibition tells stories about the area of Ōtaki lying close to the Railway Station, and referred to by locals as “The Railway”. It starts with mana wheua stories and then covers the people and change over the past 140 years, closing with some hints at what the future for the area might be.
Ko Ōtaki Te Awa | Ōtaki is the River
February 2021 - October 2021 (Part one)
This exhibition featured stories about the river and its relationship with the local community. The stories cover mana whenua, early European settlers, explorers and surveyors, plant hazards, geology, the river catchment, crossing the river and flooding. There was also coverage of the work of the Friends of the Otaki River; a community group set up 20 years ago to participate in the development and implementation of flood protection work. The exhibition is based largely on the book ‘Ko Ōtaki Te Awa Ōtaki River’, written by local historian Rex Kerr.
Ko Ōtaki Te Awa, Ko Ōtaki Te Kainga | Ōtaki is the River, Ōtaki is the Home
November 2021 - April 2022 (Part two)
The second part of the River exhibition featured more stories of the Ōtaki community's relationship with the river: Ngati Huia's home at Katihiku, farming, market gardening, recreation, gravel extraction and milling.
Health on the Hill: A History of the Ōtaki Cottage Hospital and the Sanatorium
December 2019 - July 2020
This exhibition was about the history of Ōtaki’s Cottage Hospital and the Sanatorium. The Cottage Hospital opened in the 19th century and from 1933 provided only maternity services. The Maternity Home closed in 1992 and since then, the building has been operated by the Ōtaki Community Health Centre.
The Sanatorium opened in 1907 for tuberculosis patients. It had its farm, and many Ōtaki residents worked there over the years. In 1964 as patient numbers declined, it closed. The buildings were finally demolished in 1997.
Ōtaki Women and the Fight for the Vote
September - October 2018
The exhibition included copies of the signatures of the women from the district who signed the 1893 petition, as well as a list of those who registered for the general roll. It also included information about the role of Māori women in the suffrage movement.
Ōtaki Children's Health Camp
July - October 2018
This exhibition was about the Ōtaki Children's Health Camp, which opened in 1932. In the early days, when there was a fear of tuberculosis "delicate and undernourished" children were sent to the camp to improve their health. Meals were plentiful and outdoor activities were held to expose the children to fresh air and sunshine. The exhibition told some of the stories of children and staff and featured the early years, buildings, food and activities and the health stamp campaigns.
Not Only Te Rauparaha & Hadfield But Also ..
14 April - 1 October 2016
The stories of men and women, who, along with Te Rauparaha and Hadfield, contributed to the development of Ōtaki in the 19th and 20th centuries, were told in this exhibition; based on the book of the same name, written by local historian Rex Kerr.
Kapiti Island
31 July 2015 - 26 March 2016
This exhibition covered the history of Kāpiti Island; including early Māori settlement, the impact of the whalers, farming and conservation.
Ōtaki Remembers World War 1
4 August 2014 - 27 June 2015
From the Proclamation of War on 5 August 1914 to the signing of the Armistice on 11 November 1918, World War 1 impacted those who went to war, and those who remained at home. This exhibition told their stories.
The Rural Scene - Ōtaki Gorge & Te Horo
7 December 2013 - 19 January 2014
This exhibition took a nostalgic look back at life in the Ōtaki Gorge and Te Horo.
Market Gardening in Ōtaki
15 March - 28 June 2008
The history of one of Ōtaki’s most important commercial activities and its significant influence on the community was the subject of this exhibition.
Ōtaki Town
Future exhibition
Opening early 2025
The third in our series of exhibitions will focus on the town of Ōtaki itself and its development over the past 200 years.
Photo Ref: Hings’ shop on the corner of Main and Matene Streets in 1976.
Opening Hours
Opening Hours
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10am - 2pm
except for public holidays.
Entry is FREE of charge
Phone 06 364 6886
Email admin@otakimuseum.co.nz
Visit 49 Main Street, Ōtaki
