The official opening of the Huntly museum on 4 October is a time for community celebration. The project symbolises community spirit, teamwork and resilience.
Moving the historic 1939 railway building to its final resting place at the Raahui Pookeka Huntly Railway Station has been years in the making. In order to be relocated, the building had to be cut in half. An arson attack on the building in 2023 left the building severely damaged and significant repairs were required. Following the fire, a Givealittle page was set up by the community and, along with other external fundraising, nearly $400,000 was raised.
Denise Lamb, Te Whare Taonga o Raahui Pookeka | Huntly Museum Chairperson, says it will be a significant moment when the museum officially opens its doors. “We are so thankful for the donations from people in the community. This is their museum. It was important to restore the old station into a museum they could be proud of.”
Collection Manager, Debra Kane, says the museum is kaitiaki to a significant and unique collection. “Getting to this point has been a collaborative effort with help from the whole community. Every one of those 18,000 objects has been gifted to the museum by someone in the community. What a gift it is to take your taonga and share it with the wider public. Taking care of those objects on behalf of the wider community is a job we take very seriously.”
Kane says the museum has something for everyone. “Inside the museum we have surprises, immersive and interactive hands-on displays. Visitors can expect to step back in time, as they learn about the land and waterways, dig for a fossil and find out why we have a shark’s tooth fossil in Huntly. They can learn about the true meaning of Raahui Pookeka, make their own collage eel, pop on a helmet and experience the hardships of being coalminer, and so much more!”
The official opening will be held from 12pm – 2pm and is free for all the community. There will be face painting, balloon twisting and a sausage sizzle. The museum will also have one free day each month.
“We know times are tough and we don’t want charges to be a barrier for entry so we will have a ‘free Friday’ on the first Friday of the month for people who live in the Waikato district.”
- The official opening will be held on Saturday 4 October: 12pm – 2pm, Station 2a Glasgow Street, Huntly.
Entry is free and everyone is welcome. - The museum will be open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am – 4pm.
- Cost: $5 adult, $2.50 child.
- The first Friday of each month is free.
The museum is currently looking for volunteers to help out during the year. They also welcome applications from people who wish to serve on the Museum board.
Local artists are encouraged to approach the museum regarding exhibition space.
As well as community donations, the work has been made possible by Council funding and several grants.
