Museum to rival Te Papa

Site works have started on the new Mangawhai Museum, on the corner of Thelma Road and Molesworth Drive.

Historical society president Christine Bygrave hopes that building consent will be granted by the end of the month and then construction costs can be finalised.

She expects the project will be completed within two years, giving the area a facility to rival Te Papa.

The museum will include a foyer, exhibition space, community meeting room, research area with internet access, and storage space.

“It’s an eye-catching, futuristic design with the roofline resembling the wings of a stringray, from which Mangawhai got its name,” Christine says.

Displays will reflect the area’s relaxed beach and surf lifestyle, the natural environment and celebrate those who pioneered the district, as well as pre-European history.

“We aim to make it as interactive as possible. We want children to walk through the exhibits and come out knowing where they come from. It’s exciting having the scope to do so much more than we currently can within the confines of the existing museum.”

The one-hectare site, which occupies part of reserve land allocated by the Kaipara District Council under the Mangawhai Endowment Fund, will enable further pioneer buildings to be erected as they become available to the society. It already has plans to relocate the old library and post office, from the rear of the current museum in Moir Street.

Project manager and historical society member Jim Wintle is overseeing the site preparations. Most of the work so far has been done by volunteers, who have provided equipment and labour free-of-charge.

“It’s fantastic to have the community right behind the project,” he said.
So far, close to $400,000 has been raised towards the new building, which will cost in the region of $500,000.

Local artist Joy Agar has created a stringray sculpture for the museum.

Jim Wintle and Christine Bygrave discuss progress on the site of the new Mangawhai Museum.