Our Vision - Understanding the Past, Inspiring the Future
Our Marketing Name is:
"Pioneer Village, Kaikohe"
Our Corporate Name is:
"The Kaikohe & District Historical and Mechanical Trust"
Charities commission reg. no. CC 33512
Our History
In 1974 the Lands and Survey Dept decided to demolish an old building on a piece of their land at Puketona. Historian Fen Barrett persuaded the Kaikohe Rotary and Rotoract Clubs to move it on to reserve land in Kaikohe with a view to accomplishing its restoration. Nothing further happened untiil in 1976 a Rotarian decided to take 6 months off his regular employment to restore the Whare Runanga Commission, if the Rotary Club would meet the material costs of this work - demolition Kauri timber etc.
In late 1976 this historic building, originally built under Governor George Grey in 1862, was restored, and the Kaikohe Rotary Club formed the Kaikohe and District Historical and Mechanical Society Inc to build a Museum Complex to house the number of Historic buildings rapidly becoming derelict in the district, and house them in a village alongside the newly restored Whare Runanga. Historian J R Lee drew up the village plan which is still largely adhered to today.
Our Mission:
To promote, preserve, and make accessible our heritage.
To provide a unique and educational museum experience, using the heritage of Kaikohe and District.
To explore our collective history focusing on the Mid-North regions Maori, Pioneering, and Post Colonial History.
To encourage a sense of belonging and pride in our community.
To create a space of beauty and serenity for our heritage and our people
