Western Bay Museum is excited to announce the opening of two new exhibitions: Ngā Toa Taiao – Environmental Heroes, Maunga ki te Moana – Mountains to the Sea, celebrating local environmental champions, and Echoes of Exchange, reflecting on the vital role of communication in our communities. Both exhibitions open on Tuesday 12th November and offer unique insights into the heritage and ongoing efforts within the Western Bay of Plenty.
Ngā Toa Taiao – Environmental Heroes, Maunga ki te Moana – Mountains to the Sea is proudly sponsored by Bay of Plenty Regional Council, showcasing the inspiring work of local hapū, iwi, volunteers, and dedicated staff focused on restoring and protecting our natural environment. Over the past six months, the museum has explored the hard mahi of these outstanding individuals and groups, illustrating their unwavering passion for our taiao—from the mountains to the sea. Visitors will learn about projects aimed at improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and protecting our native species, including:
- Te Marie Pest Control Forest: Focused on eliminating invasive pest species.
- Project Parore: Working to improve water quality and restore native fish habitats in Tauranga Moana.
- Maketū Ongatoro Wetlands Estuary: Committed to biodiversity monitoring and habitat restoration.
- Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust: Protecting kiwi and other indigenous birds.
- Aongatete Forest Project: Aiming for the return of the rifleman to its native habitat.
- Kaimai Kauri: Dedicated to kauri protection and managing Kauri dieback disease.
- Otawhiwhi Marae: Involved in ocean biodiversity projects, including research on the Great White Shark.
- Te Wao Nui o Tapuika: Creating a kōkako corridor for this endangered species.
- Te Whakakaha Trust: Advocating for the Hochstetter’s frog in lowland coastal forests.
- Dr. Peter Maddison: Honouring human champions in environmental conservation.
Echoes of Exchange includes interactive elements exploring a time before digital communication. This exhibition is particularly well-suited for educational visits, allowing students to step back into an era when communities like Katikati relied on the Post Office and Telephone Exchange to stay connected. Children today may struggle to imagine life without smartphones, but this exhibition will bring that history to life. This exhibition reflects on the significance of the New Zealand Post Office as the lifeline for communities, conveying news of births, engagements, emergencies, and more through the trusted hands of postal workers. The post office served not only as a hub for mail collection and essential
services but also social communications and shared stories.
Visitors are invited to explore the rich histories of these institutions that shaped community life. Echoes of Exchange serves as a reminder of how communication, connection, and community were once intricately intertwined.
These exhibitions open to on the public as of Tuesday 12th November. Discover the incredible work being done to protect our environment and preserve our communication heritage.
