'Titiro whakamuri, kōkiri whakamura' 
'When you understand the past, you know your future'

We are an independent community voice working with hapū, tangata whenua and other
heritage partners, including councils, towards finding the best ways of developing a  linked heritage identity that champions the individual heritage story telling and taonga of Tauranga & Western Bay of Plenty from Waihi Beach through to Otamarakau

Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati, ki te kāpuia, e kore e whati. (Nā Kīngi Tāwhiao tēnei tongi). If there is but one toetoe stem it will break, but if they are together in a bundle they will never break.
​(This saying is by King Tāwhiao).

Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty's heritage and history goes back as far as the first waka arriving in the 13th century, and likely before that! Many do not know how Tauranga Moana iwi are set up, how they were put together, the many stories they have to tell, nor how they shape where we are today.

Our Trust is currently working towards developing our region's inaugural Heritage Strategy called Heritage Together - Kotahitanga: A Regional Heritage Intent which is a journey of discovery looking at the best ways of linking the regions independent story telling in a united way.  

​Tauranga City is the major city of the Bay of Plenty Region and is also home to its successful economic port and tourist destination port.  For this reason, Tauranga is called 'The Gateway to Regional Bay of Plenty'.  Establishing a central heritage portal, or Museum here to connect our regional stories makes perfect sense. 

Heritage portals or Museums in all their forms open up many exciting opportunities, including:

• connecting regional heritage stories and establishments for visitors and locals alike. 
• being places of cultural significance for viewing or gathering, welcome and orientation
• telling the individual histories and stories of our people within our region
• sharing knowledge of our taonga (treasures)
• providing a contemporary, fun, informative experience for both locals and visitors
• providing stimulating education experiences for all cultures and age groups
• providing a forum for innovative ideas about our future
• providing a heritage showcase for local creative industries
• showcasing external exhibitions that stimulate and educate

 
We are currently planning a range of heritage experiences, including mini-exhibitions all of which are helping to grow community awareness for the need heritage focused amenities.  
 
From 2020 we will be opening opportunities to welcome as many interested persons as is possible to become 'Heritage Friends' with us under the banner of Taonga Tauranga | Heritage Bay of Plenty Charitable Trust with the view to having our 'Friends and Supporters' working collectively and collaboratively with towards establishing the much needed heritage profile.
 
 
Bruce Farthing (Chair) & The Trustees
Taonga Tauranga | Heritage Bay of Plenty Charitable Trust