Village looking for new members

It’s a case of bring in the new (people) to help with the old (buildings and artefacts) at the Taranaki Pioneer Village, says chairman John Campbell.

He says the Taranaki Pioneer Village board is looking for some new members to join the ranks when they hold their AGM in a couple of weeks’ time.

“We have some great current board members who have plenty of experience and skills, but a few members have retired over the year and we certainly have spaces to fill on our board and the various committees. It would be great to have some new people join us, with fresh ideas and different skills to help us continue to grow the village as a great tourism attraction and educational resource.”

John says they are also keen to hear from anyone who would be willing to volunteer their time and skills to the village.

“As a living village, there is always plenty to be done. This isn’t a museum which just needs displays dusting occasionally, it is an ever changing place where people can be fully immersed in history.” The village has been open to the public for more than 40 years, and it is still growing.

“As well as the individual houses and buildings which have been relocated to the site over time, we also have interactive displays which run on certain days. One of the newest additions has been the printing presses which were recently used to print the recipe book which is on sale. People can come and see the press in operation on every second Sunday of the month.”

As well as the printing presses, John says other living attractions include a blacksmith and a woodturner, all helping to bring history alive for visitors to the village.

“The hospital museum is also a great drawcard, and we are fortunate with that as it is so well looked after by the team there.”

John says volunteers don’t need any specific skills or qualifications, but a willingness to get stuck in and help the village continue to grow.

“We need to future-proof the village so it can continue to be a great resource for people in Taranaki and further afield and welcome help and ideas from anyone who wants to get involved.”

■ The Taranaki Pioneer Village AGM is at the Village on Sunday, September 16 at 2pm. All welcome. If you want to find out more, or want to get involved but can’t make the AGM, contact John on 06 765 5428 or email campbellsjag@xtra.co.nz