Free Settlers' Day Event

Settlers' Day, coming up on Saturday October 7, will make the Kauri Museum at Matakohe come alive. The free annual event, running for more than 20 years, celebrates the diversity of the community through song and dance. Plus there will be artistic and craft demonstrations, children’s games, stationary engine demonstrations, and many more activities for the whole family.

This year, the theme of 'collections, collectors, and storytelling through collections', will bring descendants of early settlers together in one place to share family stories based on items their ancestors donated to the museum.

Event-goers will also get to see new exhibits, generously loaned for one-day only, including collections of miniature cars, shoes, and bells, as well as a collection of royal memorabilia.

"We will also host Harold Marsh’s Albertland photographs, shown by his grandson Peter, in our theatre for the day," said Collection Manager Curator, Dr Tracey Wedge.

The museum opens at 9am on Settlers' Day and a church service will be in the Pioneer Church at 9.30am.

n Kauri Museum Annual Settlers' Day, October 7, opens 9am. Admission is free.

SETTLERS' DAY: There's lots on show including the old arts of butter making, billy boiling, and gum digging.