The Okains Bay Museum came about as a result of the passion, tireless energy and generosity of its founder, the late Murray Thacker (1933 – 2017). A long term resident and descendant of some of the earliest Pākehā settlers in Okains Bay, Murray gifted his extensive private collection into public ownership, creating the Museum in 1977.
Since then, the Museum has grown to become a significant cultural and educational attraction that draws visitors from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and the world. Located within the heritage precinct of Okains Bay, the Museum incorporates over 20,000 items in a range of purpose-built, replica and relocated heritage buildings including colonial cottages, tōtara slab cottages, the former Akaroa Recreation Pavilion, a traditional Māori whare whakairo, pātaka and the Whare Taonga which houses a collection of national significance.
The museum is supported in large part by volunteer effort. Our volunteers contribute to individual projects, the care of particular collections, and the organisation and running of events, such as Waitangi Day commemorations.
New volunteers join local residents, representatives of Ngāti Huikai, Te Rūnanga o Koukourarata, Ngāi Tahu, holiday homeowners and visitors, all of whom participate in the museum as supporters or volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity to help the museum continue to conserve the collections, including the Taonga Māori collection of national significance, request a referral.
No specific skills required, just a willingness to pitch in areas of general maintenance, collection care, cleaning and gardening.
Talk with us for more information about the days and times we need your support.
Getting started:
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below.
We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Ref: 106
Practical Help