CHB Settlers Museum

The first items for the museum were collected by the CHB Salvation Army Access Scheme during 1984 – 1985. A meeting was held of interested people wanting to establish an Early Settlers Museum in Central Hawkes Bay.

In 1986 the Historic Bank of New Zealand Building was gifted to the people of Central Hawkes Bay to house a museum. This area is rich in history, Waipawa being one of the oldest inland towns in New Zealand. Take a step into the everyday life of early settlers. The varied collections are displayed in an authentic way so visitors can imagine what life used to be like.

The exhibition hall built in 2000 is utilised for regular exhibitions and houses a river waka donated by a local farming family.