Spotlight on a Member: Ōtaki Heritage: Te Whare Pouhere Taonga o Ōtaki

Ōtaki’s Main Street boasts some interesting architecture that reveals a fascinating history of a town with many stories to tell. Stature wise, perhaps the most impressive building is the former BNZ Ōtaki Branch, a large double storied yellow building within which you will these days find Ōtaki Heritage – Te Whare Pouhere Taonga o Ōtaki.

Formed in 2023 with the merger of the Ōtaki Heritage Bank Preservation Trust and the Otaki Historical Society, Ōtaki Heritage houses a wealth of objects, documents and photographs that tell the story of the area’s past and present. The museum’s aim is to educate the public about the unique culture and history of the area.

Whether coming to browse the thematic exhibitions (currently featuring the Ōtaki Beach settlement), or view the fascinating exhibits on display, including a working pianola, beautiful Art Nouveau grandfather clock and cabin furniture rescued from a local shipwreck, or to research family ancestry or perhaps the history of your property, Ōtaki Heritage offers something for everyone.

As visitor numbers from Wellington Anniversary Weekend’s Clue Hunt evidence, where over 150 people dropped in to take a look at the museum, Ōtaki Heritage is also a popular tourist destination on the Kapiti Coast.

The museum is run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteer trustees, visitor hosts, promoters and collection administrators who contribute their time, expertise and enthusiasm to help with accessioning, cataloguing and maintaining the wealth of objects and records held.

If you have a curiosity about the past, enjoy engaging with people, offer computer skills and have a keen attention to detail, and would like to be part of a team that is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and culture of the local area, do take a look at the volunteer roles available: Ōtaki Heritage: Te Whare Pouhere Taonga o Ōtaki | Volunteer Kāpiti.

And if you would like to visit this wonderful treasure trove at 49 Main Street, Ōtaki, access is via the former bank manager’s private entrance on the western side of the building, with ample parking available at the back.

Article by Bron Thomas.
Photo of Sue Carroll and Jenn Corbitt, Ōtaki Heritage volunteers working on the museum’s archives.