November 2025 Newsletter

Over recent years, our dedicated volunteers have undertaken the significant task of reorganising the museum’s collection storage. This process was facilitated by the generous acquisition of two sets of large concertina storage shelves, which have improved both accessibility and preservation of our artefacts.

With the storage reorganisation complete, the Museum Committee began planning for a long-term update of our displays. However, these plans were accelerated when we received a generous offer from the Woodville Pioneer Museum of one large timber and glass haberdashery counter, along with two substantial ex-photographers’ vertical display cabinets. Recognising the value of these additions, the committee unanimously agreed to accept the offer.

Integrating these exceptional display cabinets into the exhibition space required a comprehensive reorganisation of our displays. Every item in our exhibition areas was carefully moved and repositioned to accommodate the new cabinets, ensuring that the overall presentation and visitor experience is significantly enhanced.

The introduction of the new display cabinets has brought significant benefits to the presentation of our collection. With the additional space and improved display capabilities, we have been able to reintroduce items that were previously kept in storage or not displayed to their best advantage. This has allowed us to showcase a wider variety of artefacts, giving visitors the opportunity to engage with objects that have not been seen for some time.

Furthermore, the new cabinets have enabled us to retire certain items that have been on continuous display for many years. This rotation not only helps to preserve those artefacts by limiting their exposure but also ensures that our exhibitions remain fresh and engaging for returning visitors. Our aim is to periodically alternate the contents of the display cabinets in the coming months, providing an ever-evolving experience and highlighting the breadth of our collection.

None of this work would have been possible without the generosity of organisations and local community groups and individuals.

We would like to thank the following for their generous support, time, and expertise,

• WBS Masterton
• Kevin McIntyre, and ‘Woodville Pioneer Museum’
• Phil, of ‘A1 Furniture Removals’ Dannevirke
• Mathew of ‘Crown Lynn Kiwi’, Eketāhuna
• Gus, of ‘AL-Wood Joinery’, Pahiatua
• Woodville Volunteer Fire Brigade
• Eketāhuna Volunteer Fire Brigade
• Eketāhuna Rugby Football Club
• Our committee members and amazing volunteers.

And finally. we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community members, whose dedication and hard work made a significant impact on our project. Your exceptional efforts in moving the enormous cabinets—first into temporary storage and later into the Museum building—have been invaluable. Though you prefer to remain unnamed, you know who you are, and we deeply appreciate the time, energy, and teamwork you contributed to ensure the success of this undertaking.

Our many thanks to you all.
Ongoing efforts continue, with many small and large projects being undertaken by committee members and volunteers.
Current projects [funding an donations still required]:

• Food Forest [in conjunction with the Eketahuna Community Garden]
• New electrical switch board.
• Electrical wiring, and new light instillation. [phase one]
• Collection cataloguing.
• Collection database/data entry.
• Collection digitising.
• Collection cleaning, conservation and preservation.

Future projects [funding and donations to be secured]:

• Continuation of collection cleaning, conservation and preservation.
• Electrical Wiring. [phases two & three]
• Exterior signage.
• Front fencing and Museum Entrance.
• Disabled access/egress.