Our collections began with those of the former Takaka Museum, owned by Margaret Wilson QSM, long-time resident of Golden Bay/Mohua. In 1985 a group of local people agreed to purchase her collection, raising $75000 over several years, a big effort from a small population of around 4000. It's a diverse and interesting collection in its own right.
In 1989 further fundraising and grants saw the former Post Office (now occupied by Stitch n Sew) bought and restored. The exhibition building, was opened on 15 October 1990. Since then two extensions have been added, housing the growing documentary collections that support research and exhibitions. An extension enclosing our front deck has recently been completed, this will in the near future house a pilot whale skeleton and marine environment display.
We have a permanent display of Abel Tasman's 1642 voyage to New Zealand and encounter with local Tangata Whenua. This includes; a diorama-seascape which recreates the drama of the first meeting and also presents supporting documentation, large scale model of the Heemskerck.
Other collections with significant educational value relate to the social and natural history of the Golden Bay/Mohua area.