Kauri: our past, present and future at The Kauri Museum

B R EAM BAY Kauri : our past, present and future at The Kauri Museum

There is always something new to discover at The Kauri Museum in Matakohe. Nestled on the edge of the mighty Kaipara Harbour, and firmly rooted in the Ancient Kauri Trail, a visit to The Kauri Museum will keep you busy all day.

You will discover the past, engage in the present and become part of the future of the kauri story.

The kauri story begins in our ancient swamp kauri displays where you can start to understand the impact of the environment on the lifecycle of the kauri tree. Discover the work of scientists who unlock the secrets of our swamp kauri to inform their research on climate change.

The human story begins with tangata whenua who have lived on the Kaipara, under the canopy of the kauri forest, for generations. ‘Nga ¯ taonga, te Hononga Ta ¯ngata – Treasures that bring our people together’ displays some of the incredible taonga (treasures) of the area.

The kauri industries of the nineteenth century saw timber and kauri gum (our version of amber) exported all over the globe. The people of the north worked hard to feed the demand for these unique products. The Museum’s unparalleled photographic collection takes you on a journey where you are face-to-face with the people who worked the forests and the gum fields. The equipment they used and their everyday lives come alive in the Museum displays.

The remaining kauri forests face a new threat in the form of kauri dieback. At The Kauri Museum we share with you the part you can play in protecting our precious kauri. Walk through our specimen bush and try out the simple techniques you can use to prevent the spread of kauri dieback. If we all care for our kauri forests they will be here for our great grandchildren to enjoy in 100 years.

Take a break from the Museum to partake of Matakohe hospitality with delicious food at The Gumdiggers Café. Here, too, you can be part of the future of the kauri story by enjoying a cup of our organic Kauri coffee blend. Each time you buy a coffee you are contributing to protecting our kauri forests. Sustainable, local food and minimising food waste are important to us, which is why we source our produce locally and make all the food we sell onsite.

Over the summer activities for our young visitors include treasure hunts of the Museum and workshops. Check out The Kauri Museum Facebook page for more activities. Allow a whole day for your visit to Matakohe.

The Kauri Museum www.kaurimuseum. com open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day).