Future of museum secured
The Northland Firehouse Museum faced an uncertain future - forced to try and find $290,000 to secure the land it sat on near Okaihau.
Now the museum - which has New Zealand’s largest collection of firefighting memorabilia - is setting up in Kaikohe.
Following legal issues over the ownership of the land in Okaihau where the museum was based since 1999, the trustees were forced to raise the large sum of money in two months to purchase the property or move.
It had been closed for two years when a solution was found, with the charitable trust deciding to rent a warehouse in Rankin St, Kaikohe.
The trust is owed money for the Okaihau buildings - when this is released - and combined with a small loan from a private investor the Northland Firehouse Museum Trust will be able to purchase the Rankin St property.
Museum founder and creator Brain Denton’s work began 30 years ago as a model collection, and now includes more than 500 items, including nine fire trucks, and a special display commemorating the first responders to the 9/11 World Trade Centre attacks.
‘‘It’s been my life, basically. It’s a hobby that got out of control.’’
Denton says he hopes to have the museum up and running again before Christmas, entry will be by donation.