Each year items are donated to the Ashburton Museum and Historical Society collection. Through this process, Rokowhiria Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum acquires new treasures to be cared for, researched and displayed.

Sharing Histories presents a selection of objects, archives and photographs newly acquired in 2025-2026. These were assessed, accepted and preserved by our collections team.

Although these items were collected for their significance to the Whakatere Ashburton district, each has its own unique history to share.

Image: Lion hand-carved by Bobbie Barwell dated 14 November 1925. AMHS Collection.