The Kaipara Heritage Machinery (Dargaville) Inc. formerly Kaipara Vintage Machinery Club was founded in 2001 by a group of enthusiastic Gentlemen with an interest in preserving all types of vintage machinery that was once used in the Kaipara area, whether it was used in Timber, Gum and pastoral development of the land.
So much vintage and veteran machinery and implements have found their way to a new home, some in excellent condition others needing varying degrees of T.L.C.
So many treasures that are in storage can be displayed to advantage, evoking memories amongst the more senior citizens and helping our younger people to learn and appreciate the history of our area and life in days gone by.
The Kumara Box has been sold and the Suckling Searle Marine Collection has been re-sited at Kaipara Heritage Machinery Museum - in our new Keith Hansen Gallery.
It represents a lifetime of Marine collecting along the wild West Coast.
Barry Searle, QSM, is highly regarded in academic circles for his extensive knowledge and he has kaumatua kaitiaki status among the Kaipara Maori whenua.
Ernie's Kumara Box was a huge drawcard for visitors from near and far and will be missed, but the Searle and Suckling families remain connected to our display. Barry Searle is available for tour groups and school visits. The collection included everything from ship wrecks, shells, fish and seabirds to the local geography, and even a mounted skeleton of a sea leopard, the only one in the world!!