We have some incredible news! Experience Te Puke Kiwifruit Capital of the World has officially secured a home in the iconic Capitol Theatre. This is a massive step forward for our community and our mission to celebrate Te Puke’s unique history and identity.
A New Chapter for Our Community
Our project, an incorporated society, was designed from the beginning to be a community-driven initiative. This means you have a direct role in its future. The new centre isn’t a static museum; it’s a “vibrant, action-focused and alive” space that will tell the remarkable story of our district’s heritage.
While the main focus will be on our famous kiwifruit, we’ll also be celebrating the unique histories of Te Puke and its nine surrounding communities—from Manoeka to Ōtamarākau. We’re creating resources and temporary exhibitions that will eventually be shared with community halls, ensuring our local heritage stays alive and accessible to everyone.
This centre is set to be a dynamic hub that connects our people, our history, and our future. It will highlight the incredible assets of our district—our people, our industries, and our land—and provide a living platform for multicultural communities to share their stories.
Join the Journey
Thanks to the incredible support of local iwi, hapū, businesses, and community members, we’ve already raised $100,000. This momentum is key as we now pursue grants for the next phase of development.
If you have any kiwifruit-related artifacts or other items that tell a part of our history, we would love to hear from you. These generational items are crucial for preserving our story. Please contact us at matapara-@xtra.co.nz to help us build this incredible collection.
Ready to learn more about our vision and progress? Visit our profile on Kiwifruit.Capital to discover how we’re making this dream a reality.