Tairua Heritage Society’s Easter fundraising market has helped the society’s quest for a permanent home to display its collection of artifacts.
Deputy chairperson of the society, David Rushforth, says the society is very grateful to the community board and council for their support, which ensures it has the one third of funding needed to buy the building it currently leases. The society has raised about $80,000 so far.
“We can now apply with more confidence to other potential funders such as the Lotteries and Trust Waikato, who have that onethird requirement. It makes us much more hopeful of achieving our target by the end of November when our lease expires.
“We are also extremely grateful to the many other people and institutions who have generously made donations to our building fund and for their ongoing support.”
Local antiques dealer, Adam Archer, is a keen supporter of the society and donated many pieces of china to the Easter fundraising market.
He points out that if we don’t remember our history we may be doomed to repeat it. “I am impressed with the number of heritage society members in this small town. They’re a great bunch of people and it will be so good if they can have a permanent home for their displays. There current building is the perfect place for this and I’m keen to support them and their fundraising to reach their goal.”
The current site on Main Road works well for the society’s displays, which include lots of fascinating old photographs. A recent addition is photographs relating to Tairua Surf Lifesaving Club. Books, local history panels and old maps are also among the displays.
The society welcomes visitors to the centre. Winter opening hours are Friday — Sunday, 10am - 2pm.
