49
COROMANDEL LIFE
SUMMER 2014
This year a new display
featuring a few
outstanding pioneer women in Mercury Bay was
installed. Pictured left is Florence Marie Harsant
(see wedding photo on p17).
Next year the museum will offer displays to
honour the 100th anniversary of the start of World
War 1. Like many small towns in New Zealand,
Whitianga and other Mercury Bay settlements
saw many men depart to defend King and
Country in “the war to end all wars”. Some never returned.
Planning is also underway for events in 2015 to mark the 175th
anniversary of the wreck of the HMS
Buffalo.
The historic ship was on its third voyage to New Zealand in 1840
when it shipwrecked off the beach which now bears its name. See
the museum’s comprehensive display, featuring the ship’s history, the
wreck and a number of salvaged artifacts. (Read article p12).
WHAT’S
NEW
AT THE
MU
...
After nearly half decade of teaching, Ron Morgan has
taken on the role of curator/manager of the Mercury
Bay Museum.
Ron taught at Mercury Bay Area School for 38 years
and has always had a great interest in the history
of our area. He has been involved with the museum
in a number of ways, most recently with its award-
winning ‘History of Fishing’ display.
Meet Museum curator...
RON MORGAN
“The museum has an amazing collection
and is a real treasure,” says Ron. “Visitors
are often surprised at the quality and
depth of the displays and the guest book
is full of praise.
“We would like to see more locals visit
and help us promote the museum to New
Zealand and overseas tourists.”
2013 Museums
Aotearoa
Awards
HISTORY OF
FISHING
The museum
was presented
with a Project
Achievement
Award for ‘an
outstanding new
exhibition in a
small museum’.
The new mural shown above was painted on the outside of the building
by Whitianga artist Peter Nicholson. It depicts fishing, logging, explorer
Captain Cook, his HMS Endeavour and earlier explorer Kupe who it is
believed navigated to the area in 950 AD.
With this in mind we work with you to create a unique kitchen totally suited
to your lifestyle — meeting your needs, budgets and dreams.
Visit our website to view examples of kitchen projects that fit your price range.
at Whitianga’s
Flight Club Ballroom
Amy Sammons • 021 899 634
The Mercury Bay Aero Club hanger transforms into a wonderous hall
for your wedding, anniversary, dance, party or meeting.
• Unique venue • Complete wedding planning
• Wickedly delicious food • Outcatering services to suit any budget
We can arrange it all – our venue or yours!
