There is a mountain of work still to be done but huge progress has been made. The toilet block has been completed along with a campervan dump station. Fire sprinklers, lighting, ventilation and security installed inside. With Transit New Zealand requiring a reduced entrance to the hotel and museum, working bees have been held and the area is now fenced and leveled ready for landscaping. The Whakapara Gardening Club has agreed to take on the project – a big thank you to them. With a nice grant from ASB Community Trust, the internal fit out can begin. Once again a team of voluntary labour will do this while Bob McGregor, Kay Mason and Jocelyn Yeoman forge ahead designing and putting together the displays.

Dave and his team of volunteers will set about cleaning and doing any conservation that is needed on Jack’s collection. Shirley and her team will number all objects, collect as much information about each object and do all the paperwork required to comply with museum standards. Could people please look through their old photos to find any that relate to the Hukerenui district and its people. We would like to be able to make copies for use by the museum at some time. The time taken, where, what doing and names of people in photos would be great. (Shirley does not want much does she?). If anyone has stories about people, community events, living conditions in years gone by, travel, schooling, work conditions etc. please jot it down and send it to Shirley Henwood, 14 Hawken Road, R.D. 9, Whangarei. 0179. Please include a name and return address.

The funding committee is still busy sourcing more funds to complete the museum to the high standard we would like. Our aim is to have the museum self funding. To do this we need people through the door. To do this we need a museum that is of interest to all ages and genders and they will want to return to see more. To escort all these visitors through the museum, we need a team of volunteers. The more volunteers we have the easier the work load for everyone. Please contact Ennis Francis 09 4339816, if you would like to be involved.

What a diverse and dynamic committee we have. We are having a great time, lots of laughs, lots of headaches and we are learning heaps about this amazing district as we go along. We thank you one and all for helping make this project achievable. From personal donations to commercial support, people have been so generous.

Grants have been received from. Pub Charities, Oxford Trust, Whangarei District Council, ASB Community Trust, Lion Foundation. THANK YOU!!

Watched by family members (l) and the hotel publican Bob McGregor (r) Jack turns the sod.

Hooray!! We are underway! Jack has turned the first sod of soil at the site – the big moment was captured by the Advocate photographer.

After months and months of meetings, filling in forms, cutting through masses of red tape, and spending many dollars, we finally got the permit for the building. No doubt many of you would understand the frustrations we have suffered, but thanks to the dogged determination of the committee, we finally got our hands on the precious piece of paper!

Keri Keri firm “Purpose Built” are currently erecting the building. This is just the basic shed, with interior walls and fit out to be done as funds permit. Ex local, Bill Lloyd, generously donated the money for the kit set building. This was a huge gesture which is very much appreciated!

We are still trying to get funding to complete the building and toilets. Unfortunately we missed out on funding from the ASB, and are currently seeking grants from other sources. Obviously in today’s financial situation this is not going to be easy, but be assured we are doing our level best to convince the organizations that this is a very worthy project for them to invest in! As we need 33⅓ percent of the money we apply for to be in our bank account, we are hamstrung on doing much more until we have a grant.

The Hukerenui community and museum committee members with Jack.

Once the shell is up and we are ready to progress further, we will be looking for volunteers to help with the interior walls etc. Anyone who can give time, please contact Chris Mason 4337551 to register your interest.

We are grateful for the donation and cartage of brown rock by Pedro McHardy, and the great job done of compacting it by Mike Potter. Shirley Henwood, our Collections Manager, is cataloging all the items for the display, and is looking in to computer programmes for the setting up and recording of each article.

The giving of time, services, materials and money is what is going to make this project tick over. The sale of bricks is still being sought for $500, $300, and $200. Donors names will be etched on the bricks and will feature in the entrance of the museum, but any donation, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated, and can be sent to Dave Francis, 1366 Hukerenui Rd, R.D.2 Hikurangi 0182. Please spread the word to your friends and family who may have had an association with Hukerenui, and Jack and Did, who may be interested in donating towards it.

Thanks for your interest and support.