The Mangawhai district played a crucial role in the north as a hub for river trade, particularly in transporting valuable resources like kauri gum and logs to Auckland.

Shipbuilding activities and the emergence of supporting industries further enhanced the district's significance.

The bustling river served as a transportation and commerce highway until the railway reached nearby Kaiwaka in 1913.

This collection showcases artefacts from both Māori and European settlements, providing insight into how trade shaped the economy and social fabric of the district. It serves as a reminder of our shared heritage and helps us understand our present-day community.