This is the place

I'd seen the billboard advertising Waipu's House of Memories - the Waipu Museum - hundreds of times.  Of itself it wasn't enough to draw attention, but the longer I spent in Northland the more I realised there were aspects of its history I knew little about.  I asked a long-time Northland resident and work colleague with Scots ancestry whether he thought it was worth a visit. 

"Maybe," he said, unenthusiastically.  "It's probably more interesting if it involves your own family."

As a bit of a heritage nut I decided his judgement might have been clouded and took the drive south to Waipu on a bitterly cold winter Saturday.  The building itself might have been chilly (perhaps in simulation of the winds which buffet the Scottish highlands?) but my interest rapidly warmed as I started my tour of the exhibits.  I had no idea of the amazing migration story told here!  I suppose I'd never really thought about it either, but the sheer logistics of moving hundreds of hardy souls from Nova Scotia all the way to remote New Zealand in the mid 1800s beggars belief, let alone the mind-set these incredible people must have had.  And all lead by one man, the Reverend Norman McLeod, who persuaded folks to build their own ships, prepare their own provisions and set sail across the globe to the largely unknown.  The 236 ton barque "Margaret" and 179 ton brig "Highland Lass" were the first of these vessels, sailing initially to south Australia.  McLeod, by this time 71, finally arrived in NZ in 1854 and went on to inspire the immigrants to establish a thriving new Gaelic community on the Waipu coast. 

When news of their success reached those who remained in Nova Scotia, others decided to make the journey and another four ships were prepared, with nearly 1000 people completing the migration effort.  Today there are tens of thousands of descendants around NZ and other parts of the world.  Their achievements are captured in the words of late Prime Minister Sir Peter Fraser, "New Zealand has many records of the adventurous voyages and trying experiences of its courageous pioneers.  Each successive settlement has its history of early trials and vicissitudes, of tremendous difficulties ... but none excel the story of the Highlanders of Waipu."

Definitely a great way to spend a few hours learning more about our places! The museum helps migration settlers trace their won family histories as well.  You can find out more about the museum at www.waipumuseum.com