The origins of the museum date to 1933, with the formation of the Bay of Plenty Māori and Historical Research Society. Their efforts were curtailed by the outbreak of World War II, and the Society fell into recess.

In 1952, the Whakatāne District and Historical Society was established. That same year, the Society formed a committee with the aim of building a public museum. After 20 years of fundraising, the museum opened in 1972. Today, the Museum provides a lively schedule of exhibitions at Te Kōputu and research services at the Whakatāne Museum and Research Centre.

The vision of the museum is to learn from the past, engage with the present and inspire the future by preserving, protecting and promoting the social, cultural, natural and artistic heritage of the Whakatāne District and rohe o Mataatua in ways that increase knowledge, enrich the spirit, engage the mind and stimulate the senses.

Museum Strategic Plan - (PDF, 1.6 MB)