Living With Floods – A Century of Floods in the Papakura Region
Papakura Museum | October 2025 – March 2026
Flooding has shaped the landscape and lives of people in the Papakura region for over a century. Now, in an era of increasing climate uncertainty, understanding our past has never been more vital to preparing for our future.
Papakura Museum’s latest exhibition, "Living with Floods – A Century of Floods in the Papakura Region," is part of a major Auckland Council initiative aimed at raising flood awareness and preparedness in the community. Through historic photographs, interactive tools, community stories, and practical resources, the exhibition explores how local people have experienced and adapted to floods from the early 20th century to today.
"Flooding has long been a part of Papakura’s story, but it's now becoming a more urgent conversation. This exhibition brings together our history and the practical tools people need to stay safe. It’s about learning from the past, connecting as a community, and being ready for what’s ahead."
Alan Knowles, Curator, Papakura Museum
Explore:
- Large-scale historic images of major floods in Papakura
- An interactive flood viewer that helps you understand your flood risk
- Display by Ngaati Tamaoho
- Guides on how to prepare your home and whānau
- Monthly workshops on community resilience, including digitising your precious images and emotional wellbeing.
Bonus:
Attend a flood resilience workshop and go in the draw to win a ride in a warbird aircraft – a unique opportunity you won’t want to miss!
This timely and engaging exhibition is designed to reach residents, families, students, and anyone living near flood-prone areas who want to learn from the past and be ready for the future.
Location: Papakura Museum – Level 2, 209 Great South Road, Papakura
Hours: Weekdays 10am–4.30pm | Wednesdays until 6pm | Saturdays 10am–3pm
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
