Draft:Te Rau Aroha Museum
Te Rau Aroha Museum is a museum in Waitangi, Northland, New Zealand. It honours Māori who fought in battles, both in New Zealand and overseas. It opened on 5 February 2020.[1]
The museum is named after a canteen truck, named Te Rau Aroha, which was sent to the Māori Battalion during the Second World War.[1]
History[edit]
Te Rau Aroha Museum opened on 5 February 2020, the day before Waitangi Day. One visitor was a man who was one of two surviving members of the Māori Battalion. He received a special welcome.[1] Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also attended the opening, along with Winston Peters and Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy.[1]
In November 2023 a piece of kauri gum was stolen from the museum. It weighs about two kilogrammes, has a length of 30cm, and was gifted to the museum in 2020 to remember kauri gum diggers. The object was stolen in broad daylight, with CCTV footage suggesting that it was stolen by two adults and a child.[2]
Displays[edit]
The museum includes a list of names of those who have fought in the conflicts.[1] It also has Te Rangi Hīroa's sword.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f "Waitangi: Te Rau Aroha Museum opens to commemorate Māori servicemen". RNZ. 5 February 2020. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ "Thieves steal Māori battalion taonga from Waitangi Treaty Grounds". 1 News. Retrieved 23 November 2023.