The Kauri Museum at Matakohe in Northland presents a fascinating picture of New Zealand’s pioneering days through the story of kauri timber and kauri gum. The new Otamatea Boarding House is a two-storeyed life-sized replica based on the old boarding houses of the Kaipara District (about 1910). The idea was put forward nearly 10 years ago, but it only took flight in 2004 when the museum included it as a priority in their strategic plan.
Otamatea Boarding House project costs:
About $550,000 sourced mainly through Lottery Environment and Heritage Committee, ASB Trust, Tourism Facilities Development Grant.
Key learnings from the Boarding House project
The planning covered all bases, firstly through local community agreement, then with the relevant external authorities such as the Department of Conservation and the Kaipara District Council for use of domain land on which the museum is situated, enabling consents and permits to proceed without delay.
The trust sought expert advice for building specifications and design.
Community support proved invaluable as many collection items were donated by the community, some of whom were descendants of families from the kauri era.
Volunteer support reduced costs for the museum, as minor restoration work was done by knowledgeable volunteers. This was balanced with work completed by professional conservators.
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