The Social History collection found its beginnings in the items left by nomadic Maori and brought over to New Zealand in the ships carrying early European settlers. This section has since grown to include artefacts used in everyday life and industry in the early years of the port town. Other artefacts in this collection are significant to particular events, community groups, families, individuals and town infrastructure.
The museum boasts a considerable Maritime History collection that reflects its coastal situation and use as a port. Artefacts in this section showcase local and international connections made through people, ships and industry, as well as wider implications of port operations including its connection with Antarctica. The collection includes items used on the docks, shipping instruments, and a number of rare models.
One of the most important ways to view the past is through photographic images. The museum's substantial collection of photographs stretches from the arrival of early settler ships to present day residents, activities and projects. The local photographer, David de Maus, enhanced the photographic collection at an early stage. His images and those taken by other professionals and amateurs alike, provide us with a unique and irreplaceable view of what has passed.
A love of the sea and the land combined with a desire to create images has provided the museum with a sizeable collection of 19th and 20th century paintings. These images help to personally record views and experiences and reflect a long tradition of artists settling in the area that still applies today.