Kapiti Coast Museum

11/06/2026

This is a child's toy train set which is held at the Museum. Picture shows 1 Hornby train locomotive, 1 Pullman Aurelia carriage, 1 Pullman Marjorie carriage, 1 coal car, tender 3435, track and track connectors and key.

Hornby Hobbies Limited is a British-owned scale model manufacturing company whose focus is on model railways. Its roots date back to early 1900 when Frank Hornby received a patent for his Meccano construction toy and the first clockwork train was produced in 1920. Hornby was a trade name for the railway productions of Meccano Ltd. After the success of its first train in 1920, an electric train followed but was under-designed and fell flat. In 1925, a much more successful electric model was introduced, operating on the high voltage of 110 volts AC power.

Safety concerns saw low voltage 4V and then 6V motors introduced, followed by a reliable 20V AC system, which was developed in the early 1930s. However, clockwork remained the mainstay of the Hornby 0 gauge trains until 1937.

03/06/2026

This little ditty published in 1862 entitled Homely Hints on Household Management is a real treasure. I'm sure it was taken quite seriously back in the day, however in today's world I'm not so sure. We have many great books, magazines, articles and other items and we are in the process of setting up a library/reading area and video viewing space for those wanting to browse our collection at their leisure.

19/05/2026

Found this interesting piece held by the museum, about early religion in Waikanae.

07/05/2026

I thought I would share this article which was posted on the Kapiti Coast Community Page. Our Museum is working with one of Wi Parata's descendants who is helping us put together a new display about the Township of Parata. We will keep you posted as to when this display will be completed.

"FOUNDING OF WAIKANAE TOWNSHIP - 1873
Rangatira Wiremu Parata Te Kakakura, known as Wi Parata His iwi was Ngati Toa and Te Ati Awa. The town of Waikanae was originally named Parata.
Wiremu was born on Motungārara, an island just south of Kāpiti Island.
His mother, Metapere Wai-punahau, was the daughter of Te Rangihiroa, younger brother of Te Pehi Kupe, the hereditary leader of Ngati Toa who had occupied the Kāpiti Coast from the 1820s.
Metapere Wai-punahau was given in marriage to George Stubbs, an Australian-born whaler and trader of English origin.
The name they gave to their son, Te Kakakura, said to have been taken from the dying speech of Te Pehi Kupe, refers to the red feathers under the wing of the kaka, symbolic of high chiefs.
In later years, Te Kakakura Parata was to come into possession of a cloak made of these feathers. The name Wiremu (Wi) appears to have been given later. Wi Parata's father was drowned in a boating accident off Pukerua Bay about 1838.

01/05/2026

Hey Kapiti. We are looking for new members to join the Kapiti Coast Museum. Membership is a nominal cost of $15 per year and you will receive our quarterly newsletter. You don't have to do anything else. Membership is a great way to help us with the upkeep and running of the Museum. Attached below is link to our website where the membership form can be found. Have a great day.

The purpose of the Kapiti Coast Museum is to collect, preserve, display and give public access to material and information relating to the natural, social and cultural heritage of the Kapiti Coast District. We recognise all cultures in the community while acknowledging the special place of the tanga...

23/04/2026

Hey folks, we are having a bit of work done outside the Museum this week. A new wheelchair ramp is being erected near the side door to the Museum. Until now, our wheelchair visitors have had to be escorted through our back roller doors, so this ramp will be a welcomed addition, making entry and exit for wheelchair users a much easier and more pleasant experience.

13/04/2026

Who remembers this? Waikanae Beach Post Office Store in Tutere Street. This concrete building built around 1970 replaced the previous wooden building next door. This photo was taken in the 1980s before it became the Front Room Cafe.

02/04/2026

Happy Easter everyone. Just a reminder that the Museum will be open on Saturday and Sunday over Easter. We are closed today, Good Friday. We hope to see you soon.

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23/03/2026

Found this old photo of Paraparaumu from circa 1980s. Any comments on differences from what it looks like now? I notice the runway is in a different position.

13/03/2026

Here at Kapiti Coast Museum we have a small library with some very interesting books, articles, magazines, flyers and more featuring the Kapiti Coast and its inhabitants and also the wider district. Pop in any time to browse through our collection. We hope to see you soon.