Skip to main content

The History of Otaki Museum - By Len Bayliss

Otaki`s Main street is dominated by then Otaki Bank Heritage Preservation Trust building .This was  bujlt in 1918 as a Bank of New Zealand  branch  and sold  to the Otaki Borough Council in 1965. However the building became vacant when the Borough  Council was abolished in 1989 when its  functions were  taken over by the newly established  Kapiti Coast District Council.


The New Council was not able to rent or sell the deteriorating  building  a problem which   occasioned increasing concern ..However thanks to the efforts of Anne Thorpe, who mobilised strong local support the Trust was inaugurated in 2003 thus ensuring both the establishment of the museum  and the buildings preservation.

The building has since been awarded  historic status, a Preservation plan by a recognised authority  has been formulated and both the external façade and unique interior have been successfully refurbished. In addition there have been several  exhibitions every year attracting numerous visitors, a substantial collection of local artefacts has been acquired, whilst much historical research has been undertaken including many Oral history interviews. Currently the Museum is cooperating with the local Returned Servicemans Association together with other Local and National organisation in planning a major 2014 exhibition reflecting the centennial of the 1914/18 war.  

The success of the museum over the last ten years largely reflects financial support from the Kapiti Coast District Council, from the Otaki community and from charitable organisations. Even more important has been the dedicated contribution of its elected trustees supported by many local volunteers and friends.

 Visit the Otaki Museum - Opening Times: Thursday - Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm at 49 Main Street, Otaki

 Author - Len Bayliss, Otaki



Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Discovering Te Horo Beach

Mr 3 1/2 discovering Te Horo Beach for the first time, what an exciting time, a wild and ruggered beach full of drift wood to climb, shells to collect, stones to throw into the puddles and waves to jump and plenty of treasures to find. A very exciting afternoon playing on the beach followed by a picnic in Nanna and Poppa's caravan.
Read more

Best Place at the Beach

Otaki Beach is gorgeous, we are extremely lucky to have this on our doorstep! There are so many parts of the beach that it's almost impossible to choose your favourite.    I'm not sure I can choose, which is why I'm putting it to you? What is your favourite area of the beach?  Add your photos to the comment section below. The Sand Dunes The sand dunes to the north of the Waitohu Stream, this part of beach is wild an rugged with drift wood, rolling sand dunes, wild grasses and the Waitahu stream. Dig your toes in the warm sand and gaze along this stretch of beautiful coastline. Remember, only leave your footprints behind.  You might also like to read  Whoever you are with, enjoy the view Waitohu Stream The Waitohu Stream is a great place to swim and play. With a gentle stream and rolling sand dunes it’s perfect for swimming playing in the dunes or watching the wildlife. You might also like to read  Splashing About at Otaki Beach The River Mou...
Post a Comment
Read more

We say thank you for the Ice Cream

What is Summertime and Christmas without a yummy, scrummy ice cream and in Otaki we have the best ice cream in the whole, wide world!  Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, in so many of your faverite flavours, Chocolate, Strawberry Ripple, Peanut Butter, Ginger Crunch, Coconut, Mint Choc Chip, Rocky Road, Blackberry, and any kind of berry, if you can dream about it, then you'll probably find it in Otaki at Koru Ice.  
Read more