Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Maori name for the Museum, Tamaki Paenga Hira, mean?
Tamaki Paenga Hira means Auckland’s memorial to fallen chiefs and their gathered taonga. Tamaki is Auckland, the net of Maki. Paenga is to ceremonially layout, heap together on a marae, a margin, a chiefly boundary and a reference to those fallen in battle.

Hira is numerous, abundant, important, of consequence, great.

During the Taumata-a-Iwi’s deliberations a name was sought that would capture former Director Dr Gilbert Archey’s Whaowhia (fill with treasures) and the Maori Language Commission’s 1992 title, Te Papa Whakahiku. Under the name Tamaki Paenga Hira we draw together those earlier meanings in a new name, which is uniquely of our region and universally representative of our collective history and peoples.  

How is Auckland Museum funded?
Governed by a Trust Board created under an act of parliament in 1996, the Museum receives no funding from central Government. It is funded by Auckland ratepayers and from revenue generated by the Museum itself. The Museum also receives generous support from corporate sponsors, charitable trusts and private individuals.

Why does the Museum have two names; Auckland Museum and Auckland War Memorial Museum?
Auckland Museum was founded in 1852 as a museum for the province of Auckland. It was New Zealands first museum and was not at that time, a war memorial.

In 1929, a new museum building was opened after funds raised to combine a war memorial for Auckland with a new building for Auckland Museum. The Museum uses both titles; Auckland War Memorial Museum is used for all formal communications such as annual reports, and on letterhead and other stationery. It is also used specifically in association with its war memorial function. The more informal title, Auckland Museum is used in some advertising and promotional contexts.

What number do I ring to speak to someone at the Museum?
For all enquiries, call (64 9) 309 0443, you will then be directed to the appropriate person.

I am interested in hosting an event at Auckland Museum, who do I speak to?
Email us at myevent@aucklandmuseum.com or visit our Venue Hire pages.

Can I take photos in the Museum?
Photography with flash and video recording is permitted in most galleries for private purposes only, using hand-held equipment. Tripods are not permitted in the galleries. Videos may not be used in the Maori cultural performance. Bookings are essential for all Commercial photography and charges apply. Click here for more information.

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