Grand Opening of the Hokitika Museum

The Hokitika Museum officially reopened on 27 June 2025, welcoming over 520 visitors across its opening weekend. The opening event was attended by Hon. Paul Goldsmith, MP Maureen Pugh, iwi representatives, and community members, and was met with strong public support and enthusiastic feedback.

Although rain forced the opening speeches indoors to the nearby Renton’s Building, the atmosphere remained warm and celebratory. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony followed outside the museum, led by Mayor Helen Lash, Hon. Paul Goldsmith, and Ngāti Waewae kaumātua Horiana Tootle.

The museum team are extremely proud of what they have achieved and hope the community will enjoy their newly opened museum.

The following day, Saturday, 28 June, the Museum hosted a Family Fun Day, drawing over 350 visitors. The event featured bouncy castles, obstacle courses, games, and other family-friendly activities. A key highlight of the day was the launch of the Talking Wall, an interactive experience where West Coast historical characters “come to life” to tell their stories courtesy of AI.

 

---

---