Tainui Historical Society - Mokau Museum

the Mokau Museum and Gallery explores life in this remote place, on the border between Waikato and Taranaki.

In 2016 with the help of the television series "Heritage Rescue"the society reorganised their premises As well as 3000 items of heritage interest on display here, the museum has the former jail and dental clinic for the districts on site, and an attached Art Gallery.
Items of particular interest are the scrimshaw bullock horns etched by Dennis Gunn who was awaiting execution at Auckland Prison in the first half of the 20th century and a cannonball fired from a government paddle steamer in 1869; one of the last shots fired in the Taranaki wars.

Another fascinating exhibit is Hone Wetere's Taiaha. In 1869 Hone Wetere Te Rerenga a Mokau chief (Rangitira) was accused of killing missionary John Whiteley at the Pukearuhe Redoubt. Although Wetere denied doing so, a price was placed on his head. He was eventually pardoned after saving the lives of several pakeha. The museum has the full story of how Hone Wetere exchanged weapons with his pursuer and eventual friend, Captain Messenger.. (A taiaha is a traditional Maori weapon)