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A rich history of Royal visitors to Rotorua
Tuesday, 23 October 2018
Rotorua has a long history of putting on a good spread and a good show for members of the royal family. Rotorua has warmly welcomed the following royal family members: 1870 The Duke of Edinburgh 1901 The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later King George V and Queen…
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Souvenir ware plate ‘Eruption of the White Terrace’
Wednesday, 11 July 2018
The Rotorua Museum has what we think is the biggest collection of souvenir ware in museums in New Zealand. Most of the pieces were made in the 1900s and have scenes like the Bath House, Sanatorium, Prince’s Gate, Ohinemutu, or Whakarewarewa. This plate is unusual in that is shows an…
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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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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 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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Rotorua Museum is closed while detailed earthquake assessment is completed.
