• The mummified cat from Tarawera eruption, found at Wairoa 1901 by C. Crowther, Rotorua

    The mystery of the Tarawera cats

    Friday, 8 June 2018

    Many people will remember the dried remains of a cat which had been displayed in Rotorua Museum in recent years. In fact it has been described as one of the museum’s most popular exhibits. Here is the story of the three Tarawera cats that were included in the Tarawera eruption…

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  • Crowds gather at Fred Wylie Memorial Carnival Day in February 1904

    Fred Wylie and his rifle

    Thursday, 24 May 2018

    Most Rotorua residents will be familiar with the memorial in Government Gardens to soldier Fred W. Wylie but they might not know his story or why he was honoured with a memorial. The 26th of May marks the anniversary of his death. Frederick William Wylie was living in Galatea (76…

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  • Catch up with the Curator: Margaret Aull, Taonga Gallery and Tuku Iho Collection Curator

    Monday, 12 March 2018

    We’re excited to kick off the first Catch up with the Curator blog for 2018. This week Rotorua Museum’s Lead Exhibitions Curator, Ane Tonga, caught up with esteemed artist and curator Margaret Aull (Te Rarawa, Tūwharetoa, Fiji). Margaret is an established artist who has exhibited her artwork nationally and internationally,…

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  • Exploring Rotorua’s history of Santa Parades

    Wednesday, 29 November 2017

    It’s carnival time. Love them or hate them, Santa Parades have been part of New Zealand’s history since the early 1900s. Right from the start they have been a commercial venture supported by the large department stores that would promote the arrival of their in-store Santa. Father Christmas made his…

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  • The Fenton Agreement 1880-2030

    Friday, 24 November 2017

    1980 was a busy year for the City of Rotorua. It was the year that the city chose to celebrate its founding on 25 November 1880. The year-long centennial celebration kicked off in style in November 1979 when the Morrison Quartet briefly reunited for a special concert at the Rotorua…

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  • World War I Quilt

    World War I Red Cross Autograph Quilt

    Friday, 10 November 2017

    The 11th of November is Armistice Day, the date that is commemorated around the world as the official end to World War I. To mark Armistice Day, and remember all those soldiers who died as well as those who were treated in hospitals far from home, I will focus on…

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  • Vāiaho o te Gagana – Tokelau Language Week 2017

    Sunday, 22 October 2017

    Mālō ni, We continue our journey of discovery through Pacific language weeks, this time we’re celebrating Vāiaho o te Gagana – Tokelauan Language Week 2017. This year the theme is Tokelau ke mau ki te Gagana a nā tupuna auā he tofi mai te Atua – Tokelau hold fast to the language…

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  • Niue Language Week – Vagahau Niue Language Week 2017

    Sunday, 15 October 2017

    Fakaalofa lahi atu, Fakaaue ha kua to this week’s celebration of Vagahau Niue language week 2017. This year’s theme is Ko e Vagahau Niue ko e Atefua he Tagata Niue – the Niue Language is the Heart of Niue People. The Niuean population living in New Zealand is ten times…

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  • Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti – Fijian Language Week 2017

    Sunday, 8 October 2017

    Ni sa bula vinaka! Happy Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti – Fijian Language Week! This year’s theme is Noqu Vosa Me’u Bula Taka – My language, Learn it, Speak it, Live it! We are celebrating by looking at Fijian weaponry from the Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa Collection…

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  • Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka-Tonga: Tongan Language Week 2017

    Sunday, 3 September 2017

    Mālō etau lava! Have you been keeping up with us over Pacific Island Language Weeks 2017? This week, we continue our celebrations with Tongan language week. In thinking of this year’s theme, Fakakoloa ‘A Aotearoa ‘Aki ‘Ae Nofo a Kainga – Enriching Aotearoa with Our Family Values, we’ve drawn inspiration…

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