NEWS/PRESS RELEASES

A LOTTERY GRANT HELPS PROTECT A NORTHLAND ICON 
July 2010

The Kauri Museum at Matakohe has just completed a project installing an automatic fire sprinkler system that will help protect the iconic collection of kauri memorabilia at this very popular Museum.  It is also part of the ongoing business risk management programme that the Museum has adopted which in turn provides regular employment for many in the rural area of Matakohe.

Although the Museum already has heat detection and smoke detection systems in place, the water sprinkler system gives much more protection.  This will detect an incident, transmit an alarm, alert emergency services, begin active firefighting and suppress the incident until emergency services arrive.  This gives everyone that is involved with the Museum more peace of mind to know that the very latest technology for fire protection and risk management is in place.

The Kauri Museum is incredibly indebted to the Lottery Environment & Heritage Committee who gave $220,000 towards this project making it manageable for the Museum Trust Board to pay the remainder third.  The Museum also pays tribute to those people employed to make it happen.

Peter Matheson from PF Consulting Ltd has been the overseer of the project that was contracted out to AFS Total Fire Protection Ltd of Auckland.  The contractors that installed the system was Parallel Fire Services of Whangarei led by Neil Gould.

Betty Nelley, Curator of The Kauri Museum, said that the installation of the fire sprinkler system was a tremendous effort as the work was carried out during the busy tourism season.  She only had praise for staff, volunteers, and the contractors who all worked together and have got the job finished.  "I am so proud of everyone concerned and am just so pleased to have the risk management systems and procedures in place that will help protect over 4000 sq metres of undercover attraction that I believe is so important to New Zealand's heritage.  It is also protection of the business that is so important to the community of the Kaipara."

A CAFE FOR THE KAURI MUSEUM - July 2010

The Kauri Museum extends its operation and has purchased the "Gumdiggers Cafe" and Residence.

July 1st sees The Kauri Museum extending its visitors' experience in purchasing the Gumdiggers Cafe and residence that is situated directly opposite the very popular Kauri Museum.

Bill and Gael Cullen have owned and managed the Gumdiggers Cafe for 7 years.  Gael said she has really enjoyed the experience of managing the iconic Gumdiggers Cafe but is happy to be moving on to other things.

The Kauri Museum spokesperson, Betty Nelley, said that while the Museum's core business will always be looking after its amazing collection, it is also very important to ensure that visitors are looked after while visiting Matakohe.