Marlborough Museum

29/09/2026

30th September - a historic day for Marlborough's pioneering airline - SAFE AIR.
FORTY YEARS AGO this day, pilots Bob Guard and Tim Allen flew the last commercial BRISTOL FREIGHTER flight in New Zealand - 30th September 1986.
Exactly four years later, on 30 September 1990, Allan Graham and Ian Pirie landed the final Argosy flight at Woodbourne Airfield. That was the end of flying for SAFE AIR - an Air New Zealand subsidiary later absorbed into AIRBUS. See that final Argosy landing in the attached video.
SAFE AIR -1950 to 1990 - a remarkable era in New Zealand aviation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj3T3o8ktv4

26/09/2026

A FANTASTIC NIGHT at the first-ever Multicultural Night Market at our Beavertown Replica Village. LIterally thousands of people turned up to enjoy the amazing ethnic foods, the vibrant performances, the tractor and train rides and the displays of antique radios, hardware and musical instruments.

But even with the huge crowd, everyone was patient, everything worked well and the wide range of peoples now making up Marlborough created a wonderful atmosphere.

Don't miss the next one - Christmas Market 4th December !

Photos by John Walsh - more to come.

21/09/2026

21/09/2026

Another chapter in Marlborough history closes with the recent passing of STEPHEN LIM and his funeral last Friday at Nativity Church.

Stephen was the son of early Rapaura market gardener PAK LIM, who came from China and established a successful vegetable business with other Chinese settlers in Marlborough. A road at Renwick is named in his honour.

Attached photos show Pak Lim and the family - Stephen is the seated elder boy.

The family later moved to Auckland but Stephen returned a few years ago and enjoyed being back in the place of his childhood. May he rest in peace.

08/09/2026

A changing of the guard at Marlborough Historical Society. Dr Paul Davidson retires after his second three year term, and Dale Webb steps up as the new President - also for his second term.

Dale now leads an experienced committee team which includes two former District Councillors. We wish them every success in their ongoing heritage work at Marlborough Museum, Beavertown Village and the Riverlands Cob Cottage.

The next exciting event is the MULTICULTURAL NIGHT MARKET at Beavertown Village on Friday 25th September. See you there!

26/08/2026

FRIDAY NIGHT! Come along tomorrow for our last "AUNTSFIELD FRIDAY FLIX" for the year. “Making Marlborough” is a beautifully crafted feature length film that informs and entertains. A locally made treasure not to be missed.

Just $10 for movie and refreshment - a great way to end the week. 7pm shorts, main movie 7.30pm. See you there!

19/08/2026

Our last "AUNTSFIELD FRIDAY FLIX" for the year. Don't miss it!

WE ARE ALL MIGRANTS – or the children of migrants – in this wonderful place called Marlborough.

In this acclaimed documentary film, the fascinating Marlborough migrant story is told. From the tangata whenua arrival in 1250 at the Wairau Bar, through European settlers, farmers, foresters and winemakers to more recent arrivals from Asia and the Americas, “Making Marlborough” is a beautifully crafted feature length film that informs and entertains.

A locally made treasure not to be missed. Just $10 for the Auntsfield Friday Flix at Marlborough Museum - 28th August.

25/07/2026

REMINDER that Sunday (tomorrow) we are privileged to have the first Marlborough performance of a remarkable multimedia show - "FORTY YEARS BELOW". It is performed by travelling musician, bush poet and balladeer ROGER LUSBY, who has spent the past few months touring his show around the South Island to enthusiastic audiences and rave reviews. More details in the attached poster. ALL WELCOME!

15/07/2026

Our busy Winter Programme continues with something special this week for our AUNTSFIELD FRIDAY FLIX. To celebrate Matariki we have special permission to screen the re-edited DIrector's cut of that powerful cultural clash - "UTU!"

"UTU! (Redux)" is a particularly appropriate screening because the acclaimed cinematography of this film was by Graeme Cowley, now the owner of Auntsfield Estate, who sponsor our Friday film series. Come and see this restored version of an outstanding Kiwi film for yourselves - 7pm FRIDAY 17th July at the Museum Theatre. Just $10.

06/07/2026

The next AUNTSFIELD FRIDAY FLICK at Marlborough Museum is a Matariki Special. The rarely seen Director's cut of that great New Zealand drama - "UTU". Don't miss this one - just a $10 fundraiser for the Museum operating costs.