Te Awaroa Museum in Helensville is putting out a heartfelt call to the community as volunteer numbers tighten and the future of its monthly Sunday opening hangs in the balance.
For the past year, the museum has proudly opened its doors on the last Sunday of each month, offering families, weekend visitors, and those unable to attend during the week a chance to connect with the district’s rich local history. These Sundays have become a highlight — but behind the scenes, the small volunteer team is stretched thin.
The reality is simple: without more volunteers, Sunday openings may no longer be sustainable.
The museum currently operates Monday to Wednesday, 10:30am–1:30pm, and the last Sunday of each month, 10:30am–1:30pm. While weekday openings will continue, losing Sundays would significantly reduce access for many in the community.
“We’re incredibly proud of what our volunteers have achieved,” says Leigh Bosch, President of Te Awaroa Museum. “But we’ve reached a point where we need more people to step in. Even a few hours a month could be the difference between staying open on Sundays or having to close.”
Volunteering at the museum isn’t limited to front-of-house hosting. There are a wide range of ways to help, including:
- Welcoming visitors and sharing local stories
- Helping identify people and places in historic photographs
- Assisting with digitisation and archival work
- Research and story gathering
- Exhibition set-ups and light maintenance jobs
- Behind-the-scenes support for events and projects
No experience is required, training is provided and roles are flexible to suit different interests and availability.
Te Awaroa Museum has always been powered by community spirit. With a few more helping hands, it can continue to be a place where local history is shared, remembered and enjoyed by all.
Keen to help? Email info@museum.teawaroa.nz or phone 09 420 7881, or pop in during open hours for a chat.
