MTG Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay
MTG Hawke's Bay, located in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand, is a dynamic museum and art gallery dedicated to preserving and presenting the cultural, historical, and artistic heritage of the area. Established in 1859, it houses a collection of over 90,000 objects, including significant exhibitions on the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, which devastated nearby Napier and Hastings. The museum offers interactive and educational experiences, including the Shockwave exhibition that immerses visitors in the earthquake's impact. It also features the Waka Kōrero Māori exhibition, promoting the Māori language and culture through taonga (treasures) displays, and the Kuru Taonga exhibition, which tells the stories of the Ngāti Kahungunu people and their connection to the region. MTG Hawke's Bay celebrates the region's distinctive Art Deco architecture, with exhibitions like Skyscrapers to Toast Racks highlighting this style's influence after the earthquake. The museum regularly updates its displays and hosts events, making it a lively cultural hub. Its location in a region known as Te Matau-a-Māui, or "the fishhook of Māui," ties it deeply to Māori mythology and New Zealand's natural and cultural landscape.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events, as there is always something new to experience. The best time to visit is during the warmer months for a more comfortable visit, and booking tickets or tours in advance can enhance the experience. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours are offered, providing deeper insights into the exhibitions and local history.
Interesting facts
- •MTG Hawke's Bay holds over 90,000 objects in its collection, some dating back to the mid-19th century.
- •The museum features an immersive exhibition called Shockwave, which recreates the experience of the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake.
- •Hawke's Bay is one of only two places in New Zealand with a possessive apostrophe in its name.
- •The region's Māori name, Te Matau-a-Māui, refers to a fishhook from Māori mythology associated with the demigod Māui.
History
MTG Hawke's Bay was established in 1859 and has evolved from a traditional museum to a vibrant cultural institution.
The region itself, named after Edward Hawke and known in Māori as Te Matau-a-Māui, has a rich history marked by the devastating 1931 earthquake that reshaped Napier and Hastings.
The museum preserves this history through dedicated exhibitions.
Over time, MTG Hawke's Bay has expanded its collections and programs to include Māori heritage and contemporary art, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of Hawke's Bay.
Place Guide
Shockwave: Hawke's Bay's Great Quake 19311931
An immersive exhibition that lets visitors feel the power and impact of the 1931 earthquake, explaining its causes and effects on the region.
Waka Kōrero Māori Exhibition
This exhibition promotes learning the Māori alphabet and showcases taonga (treasures) representing local animal species, emphasizing Māori language and culture.
Kuru Taonga: Voices of Kahungunu
An exhibition telling the history and stories of the Ngāti Kahungunu people, highlighting their influence on the Hawke's Bay region.
Skyscrapers to Toast Racks1930s
Explores the Art Deco design movement prominent in Hawke's Bay after the 1931 earthquake, showcasing architectural styles and influences.
Contact
Phone: 06 835 7781
