Sign In / Register
The Kauri Museum, one of Northland’s most cherished heritage institutions, has issued an urgent appeal for sponsorships and donations as it faces a critical financial shortfall threatening its future.
With more than two million visitors since its founding 63 years ago, the museum showcases the story of New Zealand’s kauri forests and early settlers. But recent years have brought mounting challenges – Covid-19 disruptions, repeated closures of the Brynderwyn Hills highway, and last year’s power pylon failure – have all slashed visitor numbers and drained cash reserves.
Now, despite earning around $1.5 million in annual tourism-related income, the museum says its highly seasonal revenue can no longer sustain operations.
“Museums don’t have money trees, despite being in the business of trees,” museum director Dr Jason Smith says.
“This place has survived through good times and tough ones, and now, with community support, it will rise strong again.”
The museum has launched a multi-tiered sponsorship campaign offering donation levels from $500 to over $10,000, with flexible terms spanning one to three years. All funds will support the operation and upkeep of the museum’s 4500 square metre facility, including exhibitions, maintenance and staff wages.
The appeal is bolstered by new support from the Kaipara District Council, which will contribute $15,000 every quarter through a targeted museum rate, beginning in October and running through mid-2026.
Smith says operating the Kauri Museum costs around $1.2 million annually. It employs nine full-time equivalent staff across the museum and its on-site café, though around 17 people are on the payroll in total. The museum also relies heavily on its 40 volunteers.
Owned by the charitable Otamatea Kauri and Pioneer Museum Trust Board, the museum sits on council-leased land but owns its café outright. It also holds another gifted property nearby, Totara House.
Despite its rural location in Matakohe, it is the largest indoor attraction north of Auckland, with the capacity to host over 1000 people a day. Last year, it welcomed around 32,000 visitors – well below its peak of 96,000 in 2001. The museum aims to double visitor numbers within five years through a Turnaround Plan.
Smith says besides general admission fees and educational group and tour company bookings, revenue comes from its café, retail store, a leased property, grants and donations. While raising admission fees is part of a long-term pricing strategy, there is no increase planned for now.
“The museum hopes to build long-term financial resilience through its sponsorship campaign, aiming for sustained contributions rather than one-time donations. Over $15,000 was pledged in the first five days of the campaign.
“We invite every visitor, supporter, and history lover to dig deeper. This museum doesn’t belong to one person – it belongs to all of us. And now it needs us.”
To learn more or to become a sponsor, visit www.kaurimuseum.com or contact Dr Jason Smith at 021 730 079.
