Past Exhibitions
Take a look at exhibitions from the past.
Some exhibitions are available to go on tour. Please contact our Manager Paula Gaelic for more information.
Ngā Toa Taiao Environmental Heroes
The museum explored the hard mahi of outstanding individuals and groups, illustrating their unwavering passion for our taiao — from the mountains to the sea.
Visitors learnt about projects aimed at improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and protecting our native species, including:
Te Marie Pest Control Forest: Focused on eliminating invasive pest species.
Project Parore: Working to improve water quality and restore native fish habitats in Tauranga Moana.
Maketū Ongatoro Wetlands Estuary: Committed to biodiversity monitoring and habitat restoration.
Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust: Protecting kiwi and other indigenous birds.
Aongatete Forest Project: Aiming for the return of the rifleman to its native habitat.
Kaimai Kauri: Dedicated to kauri protection and managing Kauri dieback disease.
Otawhiwhi Marae: Involved in ocean biodiversity projects, including research on the Great White Shark.
Te Wao Nui o Tapuika: Creating a kōkako corridor for this endangered species.
Te Whakakaha Trust: Advocating for the Hochstetter’s frog in lowland coastal forests.
Dr. Peter Maddison: Honouring human champions in environmental conservation.
Proudly sponsored by Bay of Plenty Regional Council, showcasing the inspiring work of local hapu, iwi, volunteers, and dedicated staff focused on restoring and protecting our natural environment.
The Food Bowl of Plenty
This exhibition offered a captivating reflection on the transformation of the Western Bay of Plenty district, evolving from a dairy farming locale to the thriving horticultural centre it stands as today.
Visitors to this exhibition embarked on a journey through truffle farming, the cultivation of Kiwano (NZ Horned Melon), the artistry of Swiss chocolatiers, the allure of vanilla, the allure of strawberry and citrus cultivation, extending across the harbour to the blueberries of Matakana, and beyond. Thirty suppliers and producers, including those specializing in cheese, nuts, oil, tamarillos, and passionfruit, among others, were showcased.
Treasures of Culture Exhibition
Western Bay Museum hosted an exciting exhibition, called Treasures of Cultures, and presented the personal taonga / treasures and stories of our community as a way of celebrating our rich diversity and honouring the traditions and stories of those who make this place such a vibrant and dynamic place to live.
Service and Sacrifice
‘Service + Sacrifice’ was inspired by the lack of acknowledgement New Zealand women received for their heroic efforts during conflict, either at home or abroad. Unfortunately, it was just a sign of the times, so it was time that these amazing stories of ‘Service + Sacrifice’ were honoured.
There are ten focus boards that provide a glimpse of their stories, from the first New Zealand nurses in a military campaign during the Boer War, nurses of WW1 and WW2, the Heroine of the Battle of Pukehinahina, the Land Girls and Auxiliary Corp of WW2, to the Fundraiser and Soldiers’ Friend. They are powerful stories focusing on women of Te Puke, Katikati and our country.
This exhibition is of such high standard and content that it went on tour to the National Army Museum in Waiouru.
