Ashburton Museum

20/06/2026

Destined for domesticity

Ashburton Technical School cooking class, 1912. From left: Unknown, J. Lockard, M. Blee, M. Wotten, E. Soal, J. Patterson, Miss E. Loy, Templeton, E. Hosken, Miss A. D. Rennie, M. Stringfellow, I. Stringfellow, Miss Giddings. (Photo reference: 02.1984.0121b.) This stunning image showcases the “new” Domestic Sciences room at the Ashburton Technical College in 1912, and the bevy of well-ironed beauties attending classes at the time....

Ashburton Technical School cooking class, 1912. From left: Unknown, J. Lockard, M. Blee, M. Wotten, E. Soal, J. Patterson, Miss E. Loy, Templeton, E. Hosken, Miss A. D. Rennie, M. Stringfellow, I. …

17/06/2026

Ngaroma School's Big Move 🛻

In Caught in the Moment: Guardian photographs of 1976, hundreds of photographs are on display, each telling a unique story.

This photograph from 11 November 1976 shows staff and students watching the former Ngaroma School building being loaded onto a truck, ready for its journey to Winchmore!

The Ashburton Museum blog post 'Ngaroma School's Big Move' describes the history of Ngaroma School and its relocation. Read all about it here: https://ashburtonmuseum.wordpress.com/2024/05/18/ngaroma-schools-big-move/

See this photograph and more in Caught in the Moment: Guardian photographs of 1976 - on display until 06 September!

17/06/2026

Did you miss our heritage talk with Robyn Burgess from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga last month?

Don't worry! You can now listen to our talk with Robyn on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHrwewDfmPg&t=3s

In this heritage talk, Robyn discusses the New Zealand Heritage List Rārangi Kōrero, its background and purpose, and looks at what makes Mid and South Canterbury listings so special.

Have a listen and learn more about our local heritage!

This talk was recorded on 17 May 2026 in relation to our exhibition...

13/06/2026

The Salvation Army in Ashburton: Stirring up a Storm

In early 1884, the Ashburton Guardian announced the imminent arrival of the Salvation Army in Whakatere Ashburton. Their Havelock Street headquarters had previously been the premises of a gymnasium managed by pugilist Dan Lea, who was incarcerated at the time, hence the name of the venue: the Dan Lea Fort. As in other parts of Aotearoa New Zealand, the arrival of the Army stirred up a storm of local controversy, with an article dated 7 January 1884 warning that “The Army will open fire in about a fortnight, and we may expect a reign of rowdyism to set in in Ashburton.”...

In early 1884, the Ashburton Guardian announced the imminent arrival of the Salvation Army in Whakatere Ashburton.   Their Havelock Street headquarters had previously been the premises of…

12/06/2026

Matariki is almost here! ⭐️💫

Our new exhibition 'Matariki herenga waka: A mooring place for all canoes' features waka hourua designed by Ashburton Intermediate students sailing through an immersive space of light and sound.

Including a digital interactive Matariki constellation, this exhibition embodies the national theme of 'Matariki herenga waka – For everyone', welcoming all people to reflect on the year passed and prepare for the new year ahead.

This exhibition will be on display until 16 August - make sure to visit over Matariki!

10/06/2026

Caught in the Moment: Guardian photographs of 1976 is now open!

Discover what life was like in our district 50 years ago through photographs taken by Ashburton Guardian photographers. You'll probably see places you recognise amongst the selection, and potentially some familiar faces, too!

Using photos, travel through the year of 1976 from the January New Year baby, all the way to December Christmas tree decorating.

This exhibition is on display until 06 September.

08/06/2026

Join us next week for our Cultural Awareness talk to learn all about the culture of Tokelau!

In this Cultural Awareness session, you will learn about Tokelauan culture and discuss basic social protocols to help you interact with clients, whānau, and friends. The session will be led by Whakatere Ashburton local Akosita Ulupano.

All are welcome – nau mai koutou katoa!

Organised with Welcoming Communities - Ashburton District and Hakatere Multi Cultural Council

Tuesday 16 June | 12pm - 1pm

06/06/2026

Smoke Free, Victorian Style

You may be surprised to learn that the desire to create a Smoke Free Aotearoa is by no means a recent phenomenon. In the Victorian era, smoking was initially socially acceptable for males only. Smoking in front of women was considered an infraction of good manners, as was the lingering smell when a gentleman was in a lady’s presence. When a gentleman moved to another room to retire for his cigarette, he also wore particular clothing as he imbibed....

You may be surprised to learn that the desire to create a Smoke Free Aotearoa is by no means a recent phenomenon. In the Victorian era, smoking was initially socially acceptable for males only.&nbs…

05/06/2026

Don't forget to come along to our special heritage talk at 11am! 🎤

The Ashburton Family History group will be sharing their years of research into our Mid Canterbury Suffragettes at this free talk.

Also, drop by anytime from 10.30am - 3.30pm to contribute to our community stitching event. Help to create a textile panel honouring our suffragettes with the Ashburton Embroiderers Guild!

See you soon!
🎤Heritage Talk | Today, 11am
🧵Stitching event | Today, 10.30am - 3.30pm