At Mōkau Museum, we are dedicated to bringing the rich tapestry of our region’s history to life. Through artefacts, documents, and photographs, we celebrate the diverse narratives that have shaped our community, preserving them for future generations to explore and cherish. Every item in our collection tells a story—stories of the people, places, and events that have left their mark on the Tainui region.

Our collections are carefully curated to showcase the many facets of regional life, heritage, and culture. Explore our key collections:

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Māori Collection

Our Māori collection honors the artistry, heritage, and traditions of the indigenous Māori people. This collection features treasured taonga (treasures) such as taiaha (traditional wooden weapons), toki (carving and building tools), tiki (ancestral carvings), and heru and patu (hair combs and short clubs). Each artefact provides a window into Māori customs, craftsmanship, and the cultural significance these items hold in our community.

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Natural History

Step back in time with our natural history collection, which highlights the unique ecological story of the Tainui region. Discover moa bones from New Zealand’s giant flightless birds, whalebones from the coastline, and a fascinating range of fossils that reveal the geological evolution of our landscape. Each piece uncovers the natural wonders and ancient past of our region.

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Township History

Delve into the daily life, commerce, and communication of Mōkau’s past through our township history collection. Explore vintage post and telephone equipment, historic groceries, a vintage projector, and even a historic fire extinguisher, each offering a glimpse into earlier community life. Unique artefacts such as a cannonball or an old streetlamp spark imagination and connect us to local stories of defense and innovation. Historical dentistry tools further illustrate the evolution of healthcare in the township.

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Industry History

Our industrial heritage collection highlights the tools and equipment that drove economic growth in the region. Admire beautifully crafted saddles, milling and mining tools, and farming equipment, all testaments to the hard work and ingenuity of generations who shaped the region’s industries.

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Family History

Family stories are at the heart of Mōkau Museum. Our collection of books, maps, newspapers, photographs, and personal documents captures the lives and legacies of local families. Visitors can explore lineages, relive historical events, and discover moments that helped shape the Tainui community.

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Come on in! 

At Mōkau Museum, every artefact, photograph, and document is a bridge between the past and present. We invite you to explore, connect, and uncover the stories that make our region unique. Come and experience the history of Tainui through our thoughtfully curated collections—you never know what story you might discover.