Papakura Museum

08/09/2026

Join us as our speaker Brendan O’Carroll, explores the Long-Range Desert Group (LRDG), the legendary reconnaissance unit that operated deep behind enemy lines in the North Africa desert during the Second World War. Discover the remarkable role played by New Zealanders in the LRDG and hear the stories of the men known as the ‘Kiwi Scorpions.’

Saturday, September 19th at 11am

RSVP- [email protected]

26/08/2026

PAPAKURA, 2000 — WHO REMEMBERS SOUNDS?

A familiar view of Great South Road, Papakura, around the turn of the millennium.

Featured here is Sounds — a regular stop for CDs, music, movies and browsing through the latest releases. Before streaming became part of everyday life, a trip into a music store was often how you discovered what you were listening to next!

Who remembers shopping at Sounds in Papakura?
What was the first CD, album or tape do you remember buying there?

We'd love to hear your memories of Papakura's Town Centre around this time.

11/08/2026

How did people travel through Papakura before there were roads?
Long before streets, railways and bridges, Māori travelled through a sophisticated network of ara hīkoi (walking tracks), ara moana (waterways), and tō waka (portages). These routes connected people, places, food sources, trade, and whakapapa, shaping the landscape we still know today.

Many of today’s roads and transport corridors follow the same natural pathways first established centuries ago.

Discover the fascinating story of Papakura’s earliest transport network and see our landscape from a whole new perspective.

Read the full blog on our website.
https://papakuramuseumblog.wordpress.com/2026/06/27/walking-the-shape-of-the-land/

Originally written by Alan Knowles for The Papakura Sentinel and reproduced with acknowledgement to the Papakura & District Historical Society.

Early Māori Walking Tracks of the Papakura District Alan Knowles Introduction: reading a landscape made for movement Long before survey pegs, road names, and suburban boundaries, the Papakura distr…

04/08/2026

HerStory: Alice Eleanor Cossey

Born in Drury in 1879, Alice Eleanor Cossey became one of New Zealand’s first professional female union leaders. For almost three decades she served as Secretary of the Auckland Tailoresses’ Union, campaigning for fair wages, better working conditions, and equal pay for women.

Her dedication helped shape the rights of working women across New Zealand and left a lasting legacy.

Read the full story on our blog.
https://papakuramuseumblog.wordpress.com/2026/06/27/alice-cossey-pioneer-of-womens-unionism-in-new-zealand/

Originally written and compiled by Wendy Deeming for The Papakura Sentinel, Issue 81, February to March 2026. Reproduced with acknowledgement to the Papakura & District Historical Society.

02/08/2026

From the Collection: Blade Sharpener for a Horse Drawn Sickle Bar Mower c.1930
Keeping a mower sharp was essential during haymaking. This hand cranked blade sharpener was used on a local Alfriston farm to sharpen each blade on a horse drawn sickle bar mower, helping keep one of the farm’s most important machines working efficiently.

Discover how this clever tool helped power New Zealand farming before tractors became common.
Read the full story on our blog.
https://papakuramuseumblog.wordpress.com/2026/06/27/evolution-of-horse-drawn-mowers-historical-insights/

Originally published in The Papakura Sentinel and reproduced with acknowledgement to the Papakura & District Historical Society.

28/07/2026

Papakura Railway Station has changed dramatically over the years, but for many locals it remains a place full of memories.

From steam locomotives and troop trains to towering eucalyptus plantations that once lined the railway reserve, this fascinating look back captures a very different Papakura.

Read the blog to discover stories of childhood adventures, wartime rail traffic, and the trees that once became one of Papakura’s most recognisable landmarks.

https://papakuramuseumblog.wordpress.com/2026/06/26/papakura-railway-station-memories/

24/07/2026

Did you know Papakura is full of stories waiting to be discovered?

Our popular Te Waahi o Papakura – Papakura Places booklet proved so popular that we completely ran out of copies! The good news is that a fresh batch has just arrived and is now available FREE from the reception desk at Papakura Museum.

Whether you're a long-time local, new to the area, or simply curious about Papakura's rich heritage, this beautifully illustrated guide is the perfect companion.

The brochure was developed by Auckland Council and the Papakura Local Board, with content created in partnership with Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngāti Tamaoho, Te Ākitai Waiohua, Papakura Museum, and the Papakura & District Historical Society.

Pick up your FREE copy from Papakura Museum while stocks last.

21/07/2026

The Kiwi Scorpions- The Long-Range Desert Group

Discover the remarkable story of the Long-Range Desert Group, one of the Second World War’s most legendary special forces units.

Featuring artefacts generously loaned by internationally recognised Long Range Desert Group authority Brendan O’Carroll, this new exhibition brings to life the courage, endurance, and ingenuity of these extraordinary soldiers.

Brendan will also present a special museum talk on the Long-Range Desert Group, with the date and time to be announced.

19/07/2026

Papakura has a fascinating aviation history. Did you know South Auckland played an important role in the development of flight in New Zealand?

Join the Papakura & District Historical Society for our July monthly meeting and discover the stories behind the Southern Skies Aviation Trail, a digital map connecting historic aviation sites across the Papakura district and wider South Auckland.

Guest speaker Alan Knowles will explore everything from early paddock take offs and military aviation to modern airfields, revealing the people, places, and events that helped shape New Zealand’s aviation history.

Thursday 23 July 2026

1.00pm

Meeting Room beside the Sir Edmund Hillary Library, Papakura

Everyone is welcome. Visitors and non members are encouraged to attend.

We look forward to seeing you there.

16/07/2026

FREE MATARIKI SPOKEN WORD NIGHT

Experience an unforgettable evening of poetry, storytelling and spoken word as we celebrate Matariki at Papakura Museum.

Be inspired by talented local performers sharing stories of remembrance, hope, identity and new beginnings in an intimate and welcoming setting.

Matariki Spoken Word Night
Wednesday 22 July
7.00 pm – 9.00 pm ( Doors 6.30pm)

Papakura Museum
FREE – but only 40 tickets are available.

Booking is essential.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (09) 298 2003

Gather with friends and whānau for a special evening celebrating the power of words, creativity and community during Matariki.