In this issue
- Talks based on locality and topicality
- Membership and attendance
- Feedback on John McLean’s talk last month
- The April session – Ann David
- Possible future topics
- The Kapiti Coast Museum connection
Locality and topicality
So far we have had six talks – five on Kapiti-related subjects and one of topical interest. Captain Cook arrived 250 years ago as you know, so it was appropriate to have a session last month on the great explorer. We have another topical talk on May 28 and then in June it’s back to a Kapiti theme.
The Society is developing a close relationship with the Kapiti Coast Museum in Waikanae and may join with them in future publicity. (See more in the last section.)
Membership and attendance
If you are on the mailing list and currently reading this newsletter, you are a member. We now have more than 60 people on the books.
There are no subscriptions for 2019 as the gold coin koha at the monthly sessions covers our expenses.
Anyone is welcome to come to the meetings.
Thanks to our April speaker: John McLean
John spoke on Captain Cook to an audience of 26 and traced the life of the great man from his childhood in rural Yorkshire to his tragic death in Hawaii.
Obviously much of what John covered was well know to the group, but everyone would have gained some new insights.
John is the author of Captain Cook for Young People and this book is very readable for people of all ages. You can buy it online and there is no charge for postage. (See http://trosspublishing.co.nz/ )
Next Meeting – Tuesday 28 May, 7.30pm
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- Kapiti Uniting Church
- 10 Weka Road, Raumati Beach
- Gold coin koha. Thanks
- Enter via the main door of the church at the top of the driveway off Weka Road.
Speaker: Ann David
Subject: The modern right-to-die movement and New Zealand’s place in it
Every subject and issue has a history, as this movement does. Obviously the topic is of relevance to Kapiti people and all New Zealanders.
Ann will definitely NOT be advocating for a particular position on the end of life choice.
In her words the talk will be – a factual account of the history – where the modern movement started, how and where it developed, when it was initiated here, key players on the road to progress in NZ, etc.
Possible future topics – to be confirmed
- The history of Paraparaumu airport
- Kapiti’s changing coastline
- Kapiti’s museums
- Sailors’ salty language
- Coastlands – New Zealand’s first mall
- Barry Hadfield – first mayor of the Kapiti District
- Octavius Hadfield
- Return to the Western Front
- Working with KCDC on Maori issues
- All Black Dave Gallaher and his family
If anyone has ideas for particular topics, let us know.
Kapiti Coast Museum
The museum is located at 9 Elizabeth St, Waikanae – over the railway line and a couple of blocks along on the left.
The hours are Friday – Sunday 1 to 4PM.
A committee of nine works on exhibits and coordinates the Museum activities. These people have a range of useful skills and abilities, including a wide knowledge of Kapiti Coast history.
Like many small town museums space is a constraint, however within the area available the team creatively makes effective use of every nook and cranny. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics related to the Kapiti area with an emphasis on Waikanae and Reikorangi.
In particular there is interesting and eye-catching material and examples of changes in transport, fashion, radios, technology, sport and land use. A very appealing section features a painting and information on the last Maori inter-tribal battle on the Kapiti Coast between Ngati Raukawa and Te Atiawa in 1840.
Exhibits comprise interesting and innovative combinations of photographs, paintings, diaries, written summaries, models, maps, technology, slide shows and sketches.
The museum is managed entirely by volunteers and free entry means the resources are available to all.
If people wish to make comments on items or provide contributions for the monthly newsletter, get back to us.
Roger Childs and John Robinson, Coordinators, KHS