Waitaki Museum & Archive

10/09/2026

50 years on… a few photos from the JJ H**e Photography Collection (dated September 1976) this Friday.

If you recognise any faces, please let us know and we will add the information to our records!

03/09/2026

Originally known as the Kakanui and Oatmeal Mill, the Clark’s Mill complex was built in 1866 (160 years ago!). Milling began in 1867 under the ownership of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company.

In 1901, Alexander Clark and his brothers purchased the Mill, beginning 75 years of Clark family ownership. The Clarks modernised the machinery and kept the Mill operating until December 1976, when almost 110 years of milling came to an end.

Today, Clark's Mill is New Zealand's only surviving water-powered flourmill. It is cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and a passionate team of volunteers.

31/08/2026

There’s just one spot left on the tour!

But… if you ask nicely, I’m sure we can squeeze in two if you really want to bring a friend.

To book, email [email protected] and use the subject line Night at the Museum.

Don’t miss out! 🌙🏛️

27/08/2026

In honour of Daffodil Day, enjoy a few florals from our collection this Friday 🌼

24/08/2026

We are excited to be part of the Waitaki Arts Festival this year! The museum is hosting two events, a Night at the Museum Tour and a Zine Workshop!

For more information, and to see what other fabulous events are on during the festival, you can view the programme here:

https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/files/events/2026/2026-waitaki-arts-festival-programme.pdf

23/08/2026

A little look at some of the treasures recently added to the museum collection!

Our collections cover a surprisingly broad range of objects, but there’s one thing they all have in common: the Waitaki!

Every item has a local story to tell, helping us build a picture of the people, places and everyday life of our district.

And yes, we really do collect all sorts of things!

20/08/2026

One of Thames Street’s most distinctive buildings, The Polytechnic was designed by architect John Megget Forrester for Robert Brown. It opened in 1914 as a department store specialising in drapery, fine furnishings, furniture, floor coverings, millinery and dressmaking materials. Described at the time as a "thoroughly modern building," it featured an electric lift, a wide staircase leading to the first floor, large showrooms, and workrooms – and an especially impressive ornate moulded ceiling!

19/08/2026

Here at Waitaki Museum and Archive we love some good ephemera, especially when it's wonderfully graphic, we thought you might enjoy some of these old pharmacy labels from our collection :)

14/08/2026

13/08/2026

Congratulations to the Waitaki Whitestone Unesco Global Geopark on their official reopening of the Museum of the Vanished World on Thursday 13 following a major redevelopment. To help celebrate, enjoy a few photographs of the wonderful Waitaki Valley from our collections!