Who we are
The trust
Ōtaki Heritage is a charitable trust responsible for preserving, protecting, and sharing the stories, taonga, and history of Ōtaki. The Trust oversees governance, strategic direction, and stewardship of the museum’s collections and programmes.
Our governance team:
- Chair
- Deputy chair
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Mana whenua trustee
- Elected trustees
All our trustees are volunteers – we have no paid staff.
Key documents
The following documents underpin and shape our activities.
- Trust Deed – our trust deed sets out the legal basis for all our governance and activities.
- Funding Agreement – we receive generous funding from Kapiti Coast Districit Council (KCDC) under an agreement which is reviewed annually.
- Annual report – every October at our AGM we present a report to the residents of the Ōtaki area on our activities, finances and other matters of interest.
- Annual meeting – we present the annual report for the preceding year at an annual general meeting (AGM) and elect Board members for the coming year (refer minutes).
Our partners
We are very grateful to our partners and sponsors, who help make our mission possible. Thank you for your support.
Our history and building
Our history
Ōtaki Heritage was formed in 2023 by the amalgamation of the Ōtaki Historical Society and the Ōtaki Heritage Bank Preservation Trust.
The Ōtaki Historical Society was set up in 1977 to collect, record and preserve the history of the Ōtaki area. It produced an annual historical journal most years until 2023. The Ōtaki Heritage Bank Preservation Trust was set up in 2003 with the main aim of preserving the old bank building for historical and community purposes. The building now houses the Ōtaki museum.
Our building
The Ōtaki Heritage Museum is housed in the former Bank of New Zealand building, built in 1918. As one of the most historic and prominent on Main Street it was the Council Chamber for the Ōtaki Borough Council from 1967 to 1989 and housed the local service centre of the Kapiti Coast District Council until 1998.
Education
School / kura programmes
Ōtaki Museum gives akōnga/learners the chance to connect with the past, present and future through stories, taonga and objects of Ōtaki and its surrounding districts. The museum supports connections to mana whenua stories, Te Takanga o Te Wā and Aotearoa New Zealand histories and other relevant curriculum areas.
Taonga‑based learning
Students can engage with real objects, archival material, oral histories, and local stories to develop an understanding of Ōtaki’s heritage.
How to book a visit
Schools and kura are encouraged to get in touch with the museum to discuss ways it can enrich learning including questions akonga want to explore.
Support us
At Ōtaki Heritage, we rely on the generous support of individuals and businesses to continue to provide quality exhibits and educational programming.
Make an donation
Donations of any size are greatly appreciated and will go towards preserving our museum for generations to come.
Contribute to our collection
We welcome contributions to our collection. If you have objects, documents, photographs or family records connected to Ōtaki’s history, our team can assess them for acquisition and long‑term care.
Become a supporter
Become a supporter today and join our mailing list to stay up to date on the latest news and events.
Become a volunteer
We rely on volunteers to run the museum – there are no paid staff. We need people to help welcome visitors to the museum, to become members of our working parties, to offer themselves for election to our Board of Trustees. Please contact us if you are interested.