Topics

Many know of the Auckland newspapers The New Zealand Herald and the Auckland Star. But were you aware that at least 16 other newspapers were published in Auckland between 1841 and 1880?​​

Objects from Oruarangi, a pa south of Thames, tell us about the activities of Māori who intermittently lived there over a period of hundreds of years. They form a large part of the Museum's Māori collection.

Salt is in the seas all around Auckland and in our tinana (bodies) too. In small doses, it keeps us hauora (healthy) and lets our koiora moana (marine life) flourish. Without salt, we wouldn't have a catch of the day.

Water is a defining feature of Auckland. Both wai māori (fresh) and wai tai (salty), it nourishes and refreshes us, and in return requires looking after. Without water, the huarahi (roads) would be even more congested and our tūpuna (ancestors) might never have arrived here.

Voice is about being heard - saying "hi", kata (laughing), waiata (singing), mana (power).

Mud, mud, glorious mud, there’s nothing quite like it. Mud lets us whakatupu kai (grow food) and make the pereti (plate) to eat it from. Without it, trees would topple over!

Metal is all around us, sometimes shining, often matangaro (invisible). It is the tupua (magic) behind early photography and the secret to fertile volcanic soils. Without it, Piha Beach would leave your waewae (feet) a lot mā kē atu (cleaner).

Sugar provides vital energy but it can be pretty hard to resist, and not just for humans. It motivates our pollinating pepeke (insects) and energises kākā. Without huka (sugar), much of the mahi nui (hard work) done by West Auckland orchardists would be, well, fruitless.

Wind is all around us. It flies the kites, disperses the seeds, and erodes the whenua (land). Without it sailors would have to reach for their oars, migrating manu (birds) would struggle, and there would be no cool summer matangi (breeze).

New Zealand's textile designs provide a fascinating window on our social history. Most were used in practical and fashionable items that have long since been discarded. Fortunately the Museum holds a small historical collection and a growing number of contemporary works.

Each of these brief stories about Auckland relates to an object from the Museum’s collection that’s linked to the topic of 'waste' in our Taku Tāmaki - Auckland Stories exhibition.

Bookplates are used to indicate a book's owner. The artistic design of each bookplate typically provides clues to the owner's taste and individuality.