The Museum is always looking to build on its existing collection of Taonga Māori, Social History, Fine Arts, Photographs and Archives.

Acceptance of items into the collection is dictated by the Museum’s Collection Policy which takes into consideration the story behind the item, the Museum’s existing collection and the item’s conservation and storage requirements. This policy ensures that donated items will add to the Museum’s ability to tell the story of the Tairāwhiti region and will be cared for to the best possible standard.

Unfortunately the Museum will be unable to accept all donations offered but staff will do their best in advising possible next steps for potential donors.

Special emphasis is given to items which originate from and have a strong association with the Tairāwhiti region.

Information about items for donation

If you wish to make an offer of donation to the Museum it is important that you compile as much information about the item/s as possible, including:

• Your full name, contact details (home address, email address and current telephone number/s)
• Complete listing of all items offered for donation
• If possible, images of the item/s
• History of the item:
• when and how you acquired the item/s
• who owned or used the item/s
• where and when the item/s were made
• Description of any supporting documentation relating to the item/s (letters, photographs, drawings etc)

*Please do not post original items to the Museum or bring them to the Museum without prior arrangement with staff.

*If you find a Taonga Tūturu (an object which relates to Māori history, culture or society and is more than 50 years old) please bring it to the museum so that we can notify the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Taonga Tūturu are one of 9 categories of protected objects defined in the Protected Objects Act.

Contacting the Museum to make a donation offer

To make an offer of donation to Tairāwhiti Museum, please contact