Waikaia Switzers Museum and Bottlehouse Redevelopment

In recent years Venture Southland has been working alongside a very motivated local community towards a redevelopment of the Waikaia Museum.

The first stage of this project involved the huge undertaking of replacing and repairing bottles and cement cladding in the bottlehouse. The second and third stages will involve a redevelopment of the actual museum building as well as a possible reconstruction of the old Switzers township on the hills above Waikaia. It is intended that the museum will provide a ‘community hub’ for the small township.

An Interpretation Plan for the Waikaia Museum and township was undertaken and funded in 2007. This has formed the basis for future development. The Roving Museum Officer is also currently working alongside the community to evaluate and recatalogue artefacts and displays.