This morning (Saturday 12th November) kaumatua from local iwi blessed the new Raglan museum building (Te Whare Taonga o Whaingaroa) and the arrival of taonga to the museum. About 50 local residents were at the ceremony. Kaumatua Russell Riki led the proceedings with several kaumatua from local iwi all taking part progressively. After the karanga called people into the building, the Wairea followed with a movement throughout museum.
The proeedings then paused while descendants fo Te Awa-a-taia walked to Bow St to collect Te Awa-a-taia’s Taiaha. In a moving ceremony they then carried the Taiaha back to the Museum where the President of the Raglan & District Museum Society placed the Taiaha in its permanent home and activated the security system. Speeches were then made by kaumatua, followed by Councillor Clint Baddeley and Museum President Pat Day. Following Pat’s speech he sang the historic song, Raglan by the Sea, written by the Clarrie Cresswell, a local musician who when alive had inspired many younger musicians. Kaumatua Sunna Thompson then gave the final speech.
At 10am a community open day began and the doors of the museum were open to the public for the first time. The museum will now be open every day when the Raglan i-SITE is open (at least 10am to 3pm every day- longer hours in summer and on Fridays and Saturdays). Admission charges are $2 for adults and $1 for children.
The Raglan Museum will be formally opened later in the year by Alan Sanson, the Mayor of Waikato District.
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