A striking new exhibition at Whanganui Regional Museum invites visitors to explore the ever-changing world of fashion across three distinct eras. Pūeru Ora/Past, Present, Pose offers a fresh take on the region’s rich clothing history.

The exhibition showcases a curated selection of nine standout garments from the Museum’s much-loved Outfit of the Month series, which began in March 2021. Each garment has been carefully chosen to highlight significant moments in fashion and social history – from the colonial 19th century to the bold and eclectic 2000’s.

“These clothes are so much more than fabric and thread—they carry personal stories and reflect bigger cultural shifts,” says Kaihāpai Taonga/Curator Maeve Egan. “It’s a privilege to bring these pieces together and explore how style has evolved through time in Whanganui and beyond.”

Deputy Mayor of Whanganui Helen Craig officially opened the exhibition in a special ceremony. She says the exhibition fulfils the Museum’s strategy to bring more of the collection out on display for all to enjoy. “The Museum has a fantastic collection showcasing our social history told in objects, including its extensive photographic collection.”

“A garment can tell the social and cultural history of the times and bring to life the personal history of the owner and their descendant. A single garment is woven with multiple stories. Then there’s the journey from hand-made to machine-made, manufacturing advances, imports and exports and local retailer histories and of course our own heritage buildings – can all be found in that garment.”

Museum Pou Ārahi/Director Dr Bronwyn Labrum says the exhibition is a chance to delve into the deeper meanings behind what people wore. “Each outfit tells a story – not just of fashion trends, but of migration, identity, celebration, and everyday life,” she says. “Past, Present, Pose is a visually stunning way to connect with our past and think about how clothing shapes who we are.”

The exhibition is Maeve Egan’s curatorial debut since joining the Museum team late last year following her master’s studies in Museum and Heritage Practice at Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington. She plans to rotate the display every six months, drawing from the Museum’s extensive textile collection.

Visitors can expect to see garments that were once worn for weddings, special occasions, and daily routines – each offering a window into the social history of its time.

Past, Present, Pose is open now. Admission is free. Koha (donations) to support the Museum’s work are always appreciated

Exhibition details

Pūeru Ora/Past, Present, Pose
Whanganui Regional Museum, Pukenamu Queen’s Park, Watt Street
Open daily 10am-4.30pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day)
Admission: Free (koha welcome)