Current Exhibitions
Nau mai, haere mai. We are open 10:00am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday, and 11:00am - 3:00pm Weekends and Public Holidays, and we would love to share our high quality and engaging exhibitions with you.
Entry is free, with donations welcomed.
Travel through Time
A permanent exhibition.
A new updated timeline exhibition.
September 2025 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Northern Irish Settlers arriving in Katikati. The new timeline will be permanent and positioned opposite the existing timeline. This reflects the progress, development and changes to today, highlighting the desire to make things happen and a diverse multi-cultural population. Katikati is an example of true community spirit.
We acknowledge Katikati Focus Trust for their support of this exhibition.
Te Au o Maui – Waka Tapu: Ceremonial Canoe Exhibition
A permanent exhibition.
Featuring a replica Waka Tapu – Ceremonial Canoe.
The Waka Taua is a powerful symbol of mana (prestige), Kotahitanga (unity), and cultural identity in Te Ao Māori. This five-metre model represents a Waka Pitau Whakarei, a traditional ceremonial war canoe.
Although smaller than historical Waka Taua, it carries the same legacy of navigation, craftmanship, and cultural resilience. It also honours Sir Hekenukumai Hector Busby, whose knowledge was passed down to waka builder Haimona Brown, who alongside Tohunga Whakairo (master carver) Hingangaroa Smith, built Te Au o Maui to uphold and continue the legacy entrusted by Hector.
It is powerful and sits perfectly with our Waka Migration exhibition.
We acknowledge Taylor Bros Transport for their support of this exhibition.
Power to the People
Runs until March 2026
A passionate advocate of hydroelectricity, Lloyd Mandeno was a central figure in Kaimai Hydro Power Scheme. Lloyd worked for the Tauranga Borough Council, and by 1915 the Southern Hemisphere’s first underground hydroelectric power station was built at Ōmanawa Falls to supply electricity to Tauranga.
Electricity was just a curiosity in the early 20th century and having electricity significantly changed how people lived, bringing new conveniences and freedom. It extended daylight hours, made tasks easier, and offered safer alternatives to wood stoves and candles.
To enhance the stories, a varied selection of forty plus objects will be on display demonstrating how far we have come.
We acknowledge Western Bay of Plenty District Council for their support of this exhibition.
Echoes of Exchange
Runs until March 2026
“Echoes of Exchange", reflects on the vital role of communication in our communities and includes interactive elements exploring a time before digital communication. Step back into an era when communities like Katikati relied on the Post Office and Telephone Exchange to stay connected. Children today may struggle to imagine life without smartphones, but this exhibition will bring that history to life with a working telephone exchange. It reflects on the significance of the New Zealand Post Office as the lifeline for communities, conveying news of births, engagements, emergencies, and more through the trusted hands of postal workers.
Echoes of Exchange serves as a reminder of how communication, connection, and community were once intricately intertwined.
