Who We Are
An umbrella organisation and advocate for heritage organisations, to identify, protect and promote the heritage of the Franklin and surrounding districts so that the people of the area can better acknowledge and appreciate their history today and share it with others in the future.
Meeting dates: Last Wednesday of the month, currently held at member’s museums with the AGM held in September in Pukekohe.
Communications: Christine Madsen 027 538 9063
Chairperson: Richard Garvey (09) 2353822
Email: franklinheritagenz@gmail.com
Our Members:
Awhitu Peninsula Historical Society Inc
Description: Collection of local Awhitu archives
Open: By appointment
Contact: Gillian Conroy, Ph: 09 235 8810
Email: gc50@xtra.co.nz
Archivist: Glenn Knight, Ph: 021 108 1664
Clevedon & Districts Historical Society.
McNichol Rd, Clevedon.
Description: McNichol Homestead Museum. An1880’s restored homestead and garden of the McNichol family. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds. Take a step back in time and see what Clevedon was like from the 1800s until today. Visit the display rooms within the homestead.
Open: Saturdays and Sunday 1-4pm. Other times by arrangement
Ph: 09 292 8812 ah. Colin Bull: 09 292 8758
Email: preservingthepast@xtra.co.nz
Web site: www.clevedon.co.nz/ourhistory
Franklin Branch NZ Society of Genealogists Inc
Meetings- Franklin The Centre, Pukekohe – 2nd Tuesdays 6pm and Tuesday weekly 10.00am. Resources & research assistance available at Pukekohe Library
Contact: Karen Grainger 021 103 7097
Email: franklin@genealogy.org.nz
Franklin Historical Society Inc of New Zealand
Description: Pioneer Cottage, Roulston Park, Stadium Drive, Pukekohe.
Open: Sundays, 11.30 to 3.30pm or by arrangement
Monthly meetings: Massey Ave, Pukekohe with guest speakers.
Contact: Brien Golding: ph 09 238 9649 or 021 123 7960
Email: franklinhistsociety@gmail.com
Facebook: : www.facebook.com/franklinhistsociety.co.nz
Franklin Vintage Machinery Club
Objects of the club: To foster interest and engage in the preservation, restoration and maintenance of vintage tractors and machinery in New Zealand. The clubs other activities include: shed visits, hay-making days, vintage rally displays, tractor treks, tractor sledge pull and ploughing events.
Meetings: second Wednesday each month at Karaka Bowling Club
Contact: Ian Robb: ph: 027 571 1232
Email: 2robbz@gmail.com
Website: www.vintagemachinery.co.nz .
The Karaka Historical Society Inc.
Blackbridge Rd, Karaka. Next to the Karaka Memorial Hall.
Description: The Karaka Historical Society was formed in 1997 with the objective of preserving the history of the area. This small group of volunteers, from the wider Karaka community, that have taken the Karaka Museum from humble beginnings under the stage of the War Memorial Hall to the modern, purpose built Museum now located alongside the Hall. Collection: Farming equipment, tools, maps, photographs, household items, war artifacts and memorabilia. Family histories, musical instruments, toys, clothing, handwork and the histories of St Margaret’s Church, Karaka and Te Hihi Schools.
Open: 2nd Sunday of each month from 1 – 3pm, 4th Wednesday 10am – 12noon. Other times by arrangement.
Contact: Ph: Lois: ph 09 294 8107 Fraser: ph 09 292 7801
Email: karakahistoricalsociety@gmail.com
Website: www.karakamuseum.org.nz
Mangatangi Historical Group
Contact: Nelson Weedon: 027 631 4123
Website: https://www.mangatangi.org.nz.
Meeting dates second Wednesday of each month 1.30pm
Manukau Heads Lighthouse Trust
Description: Tread in the footsteps of 19th century lighthouse keepers at Manukau Heads. From the light tower (240 metres above sea level) you will marvel at the Waitakeres and Whatipu, glimpse Onehunga and Auckland and on clear days expect to see majestic Mt Taranaki to SW. Visible too, the watery grave of New Zealand’s worst maritime tragedy, HMS Orpheus, 1863.
Phones: 09 235 1458 or 021 123 4685
Email: lightkeeper@manukauheadslighthouse.co.nz
Website: www.manukauheadslighthouse.co.nz
Mercer Art & History Museum
7 Roose Road, Mercer, Huntly,Waikato 2474.
Description: Situated by the Waikato River, opposite Mercer Cheese & beside the Pioneer gun turret & war memorial, the museum has much of interest regarding life in Mercer in the pioneering days, including transport on the river, rail at Mercer, rowing over the years and industries of the area e g logging, flax mills, saw mills, sand dredging and coal plants. The museum is a celebration of life in Mercer with wonderful photographic display and slide show. So pack a picnic to have by the river and come and visit us soon.
Open: Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 2pm. Other times by arrangement.
Contact: Jeanette Thomas, Ph 027 496 5759
Email: mercerartandhistorymuseum@gmail.com
Website: www.facebook.com/pages/Mercer-Art-and-History-Museum-Waikato-New-Zealand/160795150770804
Papakura & District Historical Soc. Inc.
Level 3 209 Great South Rd, Papakura 2110
Description: The Museum was established in 1962 and is administered by the Papakura & Historical Soc and is a community establishment that focuses on telling the rich and diverse history of Papakura and surrounding districts.
Ph 09 298 2003
Open daily 10.00 – 4.30 except Sunday.
Email- museum: admin@papakuramuseum.org.nz
Email-society: pdhs@papkuramuseum.org.nz
Mail: Papakura & District Historical Soc Inc. PO Box 72303, Papakura 2244
Website: www.papakuramuseum.org.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PapakuraMuseum/
Patumahoe History Group
Description: Digitised collection of Patumahoe history photos etc. Historical information relating to the Patumahoe area including school archives and photos. The early settlers of the Eveline and Dauntless ships of the Waikato Immigration Scheme. All information is stored on Google Drive. Access by invitation.
Contact: Kay Carter: ph 09 236 3809, Howard Upfold: ph 09 238 9970
Email: carter@ps.gen.nz
Website: www.patumahoe.org.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Patumahoe-History-and-Memories-1636216593262082
Pukekohe East Church Preservation Society Inc.
95 Runciman Rd, Pukekohe East.
Description: The P.E. Church is a category II Historic Place. Built in 1863 by early settler families. It was the site of an attack by 200 Maori Warriors at the beginning of the War in the Waikato. It was defended by 9 settler/volunteers, 10 special Constables and one trained officer. The outline of the trench dug outside the wooden stockade is still clearly visible and bullet holes still remain in the woodwork. Local family history collections available
Open: Various Open Days throughout the year, otherwise, by request.
Meeting dates: As required.
Contact: Tom Brownlee: Ph 09 239 270 27 475 5105 Brien Golding: 021 123 7960
Email: tom.s.brownlee@gmail.com
Queens Redoubt Trust and NZ Land Wars Centre
22 Great South Road, Pokeno 2471.
Description: Visitor Centre and Library
Open Sunday 10am – 2pm or by arrangement
Contact: Ian Barton: Ph: 09 239 2049.
Email: ibtrees81@gmail.com
Website: www.queensredoubt.co.nz
Meeting dates: As required
Rangipo Pa Site and Museum
729 East Coast Rd, Kaiaua (2km south of Kaiaua township)
Description: Private Museum housed in an old woolshed, the museum has over 600 Maori and European hand tools, local Kaiaua, Miranda and Maori historical information. A road to the Pa site provides stunning views.
Opening hours: Only private bookings available.
Contact: Rob McCartie: Ph: 021 358 520
Email: robmccartie@rangipomuseum.com
Website: www.rangipomuseum.com
Te Kauwhata & Districts Historical Society
Description: Oversees the ‘Settlers Museum’ in Homestead Rise, Aparangi,
Te Kauwhata.
Open: 1-4pm Sundays in February and March, otherwise by arrangement.
Meeting dates: 3:00pm on the 3rd Sunday of each month.
Contact: Bronwen Simmonds: Ph.: 07 826 3220
Email: bronwen.simmonds@gmail.com
Postal: c/- PO Box 45, Te Kauwhata, 3741
Tuakau and District Museum Soc. Inc.
10 Liverpool Street Tuakau
The museum is housed in three buildings – the old Tuakau Post Office, the Mission Hall which dates to 1899 and the “buggy shed” which has an extensive tool and farm equipment display. The Mission Hall displays include a working 100 year old letterpress printing machine and a large range of cameras. In the main building there is a collection of early local photographs and newspapers as well as displays of Maori and early settler artifacts. We are able to assist with genealogy and historical research. School and tour groups welcome.
Alexandra Redoubt, Alexandra Redoubt Road, Tuakau
It is one of the best preserved earthworks of NZ Wars with views of the Waikato River. The site is the first position of the British Forces occupied on native land in the Waikato.
Email: tuakaumuseum@yahoo.co.nz
Facebook: Tuakau & District Museum
Contact: Keith & Sandra Brasell, ph. 09 236 8785
Contact related to Alexandra Redoubt: Janet Pates: 09 236 9028
Postal address: P.O. Box 74 Tuakau 2342
Open Thursdays 9:30 – 12 noon
Sunday 1:00 – 3:30 pm or by arrangement.
Meeting dates: As required.
Waiuku Museum Inc.
13 King Street, Waiuku
Description: Waiuku Museum was established almost 50 years ago in the old Waiuku Fire Station. Over the years the collection has been maintained by volunteers. The museum offers a pioneer experience with permanent and changing displays of Maori and early Colonial artefacts reflecting the areas maritime and agricultural past. There is also a collection of historical buildings including Hartmann House, Pollok Cottage, Maioro School, a dairy, lock-up and old Anglican vestry. Genealogical resources include Intentions to Marry, family information and family books.
Opening hours: Wed 10- noon, Sundays 1.30 – 4pm. Other times by arrangement
Contact: Ph: 09 235 8698 when open, Richard Garvey: 09 235 3822 after hours.
Email: waiukumuseum@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.waiukumuseum.wordpress.com