Where’s our history?

I'm somewhat bemused by the Kiwi North museum, as it seems to have

an identity crisis. There is very little of Whanga¯ rei and districts history showcased at the museum or through its Our Treasures post in the Northern Advocate.

Is it meant to be a regional museum or Whanga¯ rei-specific museum?

As a ratepayerfunded museum, it should be a regional museum promoting the history of Whangarei Council district, that its residents can be proud of.

However, there doesn't seem to be any collaboration with iwi and the various communities throughout the region to present an inclusive history of the area. I hate to think how much funding council devolves to the museum annually, and also to the Claphams Clock Museum, which has no relevance to Whanga¯ rei's history at all, just a private collection of clocks. Surely council can do better than this with ratepayers’ money in the presentation and promotion of our culture. Linda Zeismer Kamo