Kā Hoa ō Tūhura
Friends of Tūhura
In 1926, a group of like-minded individuals came together to support their beloved Museum, electing H.D. Skinner as Chair and Willi Fels as President. The Association of Friends has helped expand the Museum’s collections, with thousands of items donated by the Friends … and friends of Friends.
“The Friends have acted as the yeast in the dough, as an actively interested group which has made the rest of us more aware of the values of this museum.”
Dr Angus Ross, in his Otago Museum centennial address, 1968.
One hundred years later, the Friends continue to support our world-class museum. We invite
Listen to Friends Forever podcasts to learn more about the Friends of Tūhura: https://oar.org.nz/shows/friends-forever/
Join NowThe Friends …
Support the collection, conservation, and digitisation of items in Tūhura
Promote community interest, awareness, understanding, and enjoyment of Tūhura
Support the study of Museum objects, resources and activities, and dissemination of study results
Foster goodwill between Tūhura and communities
Arrange lectures and talks
Support development of Museum galleries and exhibitions
Assist Tūhura with programmes and special events
Raise funds for the above purposes.
Membership fees and donations enable the Friends to support your museum.
Membership benefits include
Exclusive members-only events
Concession rates for admission to special exhibitions, the Science Centre, and the Planetarium
10% discount at the Museum Shop
Invitations to special exhibition openings and volunteer opportunities
Access during open hours to the cosy Friends’ Room with free coffee, tea, and Wi-Fi (subject to availability)
Discount on hiring the Friends' Room for private functions
Whakahoahoa Mai
Join the Friends
You can join in person at the Museum Information Desk, via online bank transfer, or by clicking ‘’Join’’ below to see current membership types and pricing.
Join with online bank transfer:
An online bank transfer can be used to pay for your membership, donate to the Friends, or purchase a gift membership. Please email [email protected] and we can provide you our bank account details.
The Association of Friends of Tūhura Otago Museum is a registered charity (Registration Number CC33089). Donations over $5 may qualify for tax credit.