The Museum of South Taranaki, Situated on Egmont Street in Patea,Officially Opened on A

AoteaUtanganui

The museum of South Taranaki, situated on Egmont Street in Patea,officially opened on a beautiful West Coast morning,30 April 2011, with Mt Taranaki formingit's majestic backdrop for this mostimportantevent.

PATEA MAIN STREET with Mt Taranaki in the background

The trustees and staff of AoteaUtanganui, Iwi, members of the local community and Council had their work cut out for themfrom the start of this enormous undertaking, to get through all the stages of applications, fundraising, co-ordinating and restoration oftreasuresandreadying the exhibition for thegrand openingwhich finally took place on30 April 2011.

Oncethe building, now a beautiful and modern representation of a storehouse,wascomplete, the objects and artefacts wereinstalled creating a visual display of the colourful history of the area.The ceremony commenced at 11.00am with a powhiri andspeeches, KaumatuaSyd Kershawsaid a karakia (prayer) and the Mayor of South Taranaki, Ross Dunlop cut the ribbon with the assistance of a young Maori maiden announcing to the waiting crowd that the museum was now open.

The Patea Maori Group added to the occasion with their beautiful voices in harmony singing Poi-e

Visitors can expect tosee the exhibits change and grow asartefacts currently heldin safe-keepingare restored andadded.

Intricate and vibrantMaori wall or Tukutuku panels greet you as you enter through the main doors - lovingly restored for the occasion and representative of various Iwi in the region. Gifted objects includeMaori antiquities, one beingthe oldest dated wooden artefact of a canoe prow found in Whenuakura. Along side these are manyexamples ofthe early european settlersinfluencewhich progresses through to todayshowcasing the changes in farming machinery and domesticitems of the day. Many photographs from the community adorn the walls.

A more modern-day Soldier's thanks from Egypt 1941 -

George Isbister embroidered this cushion cover for the ladies of the Waverley sewing circle in gratitude for the parcels he received while onactive service overseas.It was often the way injured servicemen filledtheir hours of inactivity while recuperating.

KristellePlimmer, Museum Curator and Marie MacKay were just two of many people totallycommitted to the success of this project andjudging by their smiles after the ceremonies were over and the place filled with people, that said it all!

1stCurator KristellePlimmer onright MarieMacKay (STDC) inthecrowd

Take a trip to Patea and discover just how unique this part of Taranaki really is.

Opening hoursare 10amto 4pm every day except Christmas and Good Friday.

Entry is free.