Mercury Bay Regional Museum Project Office
On we go to the next stage…..
Mercury Bay Regional Museum, 12 The Esplanade. Whitianga.
Following the highly successful opening of the new Coromandel Natural History Exhibition, and the launch of the
Fundraising campaign for the redevelopment of the museum, we are moving to the next stage at speed………
Coromandel Natural History Exhibit –The show features a ‘live’ commentary as visitors walk from seashore to bush and
back to the marine environment. The script has been written by students from Mercury Bay Area School and performed by
them and former National Radio newsreader Ian Thompson. Feedback to date has confirmed that this is the type of display
that appeals to visitors, locals and overseas guests alike
THE MERCURY BAY REGIONAL MUSEUM PROJECT brings together the aspects of Maori and European culture that has given the
Coromandel Peninsula the unique place in NZ’s history that it holds. A unique group of stakeholders, including MB
Historical Society, Ngati Hei, Thames Coromandel DC, Environment Waikato, MB Lions Club, Tourism Coromandel, Destination
Mercury Bay, DOC, Historic Places Trust and Arts Waikato, amongst many others, has formed a project Trust and committee
to bring to fruition many years of work by a dedicated group of individuals.
The Design team has produced a series of concept designs, which are on display at the museum, and they will provide the
template for the detailed design and planning work now underway.
Project Director, Grant Collie, comments “the Museum Design Team have taken on board the need to provide a modern
visitor attraction and community resource, whilst retaining the much loved character of the old Dairy Building. We are
looking forward to the public feedback on the concept designs, which will ensure that we keep to the brief that calls
upon the design team to assist the community to design the building, rather than ‘parachute’ in a design that no-one
locally has ownership of.”
Following their last meeting, the Project Committee has formed several sub-committees to look at specific issues of the
project.
The fundraising committee has begun to develop programmes with the Friends group, and the summer period will see lots of
innovative events to raise awareness of the project and, of course, raise funds for the project. Details can be obtained
from info@mercurybaymuseum.co.nz or from the museum.
The Project has been afforded Charitable status, so all donations over $5 are tax deductible. E-mail
project@mercurybaymuseum.co.nz or call in at the museum for further information on donations and gifts to the project.
Companies looking to assist the project are very welcome, and the project committee has produced an information DVD,
which is available on request from project@mercurybaymuseum.co.nz.
We are keen to involve as many people in the project and the work of the museum – if you would like to assist the
project, e-mail the chair of the project committee, Frans Van Hoppe at frans@mercurybaymuseum.co.nz and if you would
like to volunteer at the museum, pop in and have a chat, or e-mail info@ldps.co.nz.
ENDS
Further media information can be obtained from Grant Collie, Project Director on project@mercurybaymuseum.co.nz 07 866
4615.