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Waikato District Heritage Day 20 April 2024

Organised by the Waikato District Heritage Forum, the first Heritage Day celebrates the stories and histories of the local communities on Saturday 20 April. Waikato District Council has partnered with local heritage groups from across our district to come together to celebrate the stories and history of our communities.

Explore museums and libraries, walk heritage trails, and visit notable places all across our district.

Huntly Museum: Dig into History

When: 20 April 2024, 10am - 2pm
Where: 148 Main Street, Huntly

Dig into History

A fun hands on kids activity at the pop-up Museum Children can experience a mock archaeological dig in a specially made sand table. Uncover surprises, learn about core samples and the history all around us. This event suits children aged 3 -14. Parents please stay with your children.

Free event, koha welcome.
No booking required.

Heritage Display

This interactive exhibit aims to celebrate the diverse elements and captivating narratives that come together to form the story of our town. We invite you to step into the spotlight and add your chapter to our story.

Woodlands Historic Homestead & Garden Scavenger Hing

When: 20 April 2024, 9am - 2pm
Where: 42 Whitikahu Road, Taupiri

Open day: Historic Homestead - 10am - 1pm
Join the scavenger hunt! Find clues in the Homestead & Gardens and learn about the history of Woodlands

And don't forget to check out the Victorian themed dress-up photo booth at the homestead!

Open day: Gardens of National Significance - 9am - 2pm

Huntley Library: Heritage Display

When: 20 April 2024, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Where: 142 Main Street, Huntly 

Join us at the Huntly Library, Saturday 20 April to view our heritage display.

Ngāruawāhia Library: Heritage Display

When: 20 April 2024, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Where: 4 Jesmond Street, Ngāruawāhia

Join us at the Ngaaruawaahia Library, Saturday 20 April to view our heritage display, showcasing the unique heritage here in Ngaaruawaahia.

Te Kauwhata Library

When: 20 April 2024, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Where: 1 Main Road, Te Kauwhata 

Heritage Display

Join us at the Te Kauwhata Library, Saturday 20 April to view our heritage display, showcasing the unique heritage here in Te Kauwhata

Walk and Talk

Launch of the Te Kauwhata Heritage Trial by Jenny Kelly, local historian and author. If fine a walk will be offered.

Tuakau Library: Heritage Display

When: 20 April 2024, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Where: 72 George Street, Tuakau

Join us at the Tuakau Library, Saturday 20 April to view our heritage display, showcasing the unique heritage here in Tuakau.

Matangi Dairy Factory

When: 20 April 2024
Tour # 1: 10.30am - 11.30am
Tour # 2: 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Where: 452 Matangi Road, Matangi 

Two tours of the Matangi Dairy Factory, 452 Tauwhare Road, Matangi – 10.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. No need to book. Assemble at the Bootleg Brewery on the Factory site.

Ngaaruawaahia Heritage Group

When: 20 April 2024, 9am - 1pm
Where: Ngaaruawaahia Library

The Ngaaruawaahia Heritage Group will have a display at market outside the Ngaaruawaahia Library, focusing on the paa of Ngaaruawaahia, the great Floods of 1907 and 1957, and the special places of the town.

Learn about these special places form the historians of the area!

St David's Church / St George Missionary Orthodox Church: Open day

When: 20 April 2024, 9am - 1pm
Where: 591 Matangi Rd, Tamahere

An open period at St Davids, Matangi, to see the interior re-designed in the Orthodox Christian tradition.

St David’s is now only one of four Romanion Orthodox church in the country.

Queen's Redoubt: Open Day

When: 20 April 2024, 9am - 3pm
Where: 22 Great South Rd, Pōkeno

Come and view the comprehensive displays and resources relating not only to the Redoubt’s role at that time, but also the New Zealand Wars.

St Stephen’s Church: Open Day

When: 20 April 2024, 9am - 1pm
Where: 14 Tamahere Drive, Tamahere 

Self-guided viewing of the  1972 church which received a NZIA Enduring Architecture award.

St Stephen’s Historic Cemetery (1888): Open Day

When: 20 April 2024, 9am - 1pm
Where: 14 Tamahere Drive, Tamahere

Self-guided cemetery walk – pick up a flier from St Stephen’s church office.

Tuakau and District Museum: Open Day

When: 20 April 2024, 9am - 3pm
Where: 10 Liverpool Street, Tuakau

Join us at the Tuakau Museum and check out the:

  • Letterpress printing on the museum's 100+ year old printing machine
  • ANZAC display
  • Brien Golding from Franklin Historical Society will be cooking scones on his mobile wood range - come and join us for a cuppa and a scone with jam and cream
  • Have a go at playing the museum's player piano (pianola)
  • "Penny for your thoughts" - share a memory/thought about Tuakau or the surrounding district and we will give you a penny

Raglan Museum Heritage Day

When: 20 April 2024, 10am - 3pm
Where: 15 Wainui Road, Raglan

Join us on Saturday 20 April for a fantastic open day at Raglan Museum.

Find more information here