Museum just around the corner

 

The large number of cars parked outside the museum every day is an indication that inside a large team of people is working extremely hard to make sure the museum is ready for its community day opening on December 6.

Just in case anyone is in any doubt that the deadline is loom-ing, the days are being counted down on the sign outside the museum.

“We know there is many in the community wondering when the museum will open – well this is a great reminder to them as they drive past,” says project manager Lyn Johnston.

“We hope the countdown will remind those driving past to come and visit us when we are open.”

Jim Wintle and the team of volunteer builders, many of whom have been there from the very start, are still working hard supporting a small team of professionals to install the displays. It’s a job that takes weeks to complete, and Jim is sure they will be working right to the wire. He says the displays are a complex mix of the traditional and the modern with the team learning many new skills, such as how to install fibre optic cabling and electronic control systems.

Display cabinets are now filling with artefacts and memorabilia, some of which are coming from around the country and, though cabinets still share space with skillsaws, screwdrivers and ladders, by the day each historical area is showing signs of moving towards completion.

The Museum opens on Saturday December 6 with a first-light blessing at 5.30am by local Iwi followed by a blessing by Colin Chitty of CauseWay Church. Public viewing of the displays starts at 12pm with visitors welcomed by Mangawhai Beach School’s Kapa Haka group.

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