The tekoteko known as Hāmama displays unique Whanganui-style features: the notched knees imitate an action by Whanganui tūpuna when standing on waka, and big bulbous eyes, five fingers and holding the tongue are further design techniques that confirm Whanganui provenance.

This delicate dress, made from fine cotton lawn, was worn by the New Zealand poet Eileen Duggan (1894-1972).

The kupu (word) taniwhā does not come from the Whanganui rohe (area). Whanganui iwi use the kupu “kaitiaki” for the mythical creatures that guard our waterways.

By 1929, there were only 1.5 million people in New Zealand, yet we were purchasing around three million tins of Edmonds Baking Powder per year!

This stunning maxi dress was made at home by Midge Channon, renowned for her stylish flair and love of sewing.

As plant pollinators, butterflies and moths play an important part in natural ecosystems. There are more than 150,000 named species of moths and butterflies globally.

This mid-1920s evening coat is typical of ‘flapper’ fashion, which rejected restrictive clothing layers and corseting.

The duplicator was a fantastic tool for photographers. This tool took advantage of long exposure times and allowed photographers to expose one half of the negative at a time.

Trouser suits became acceptable office wear for women in the 1970s, as long as they were formal and neat.