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Learn about our shared heritage by viewing a range of KiwiSA Expo exhibitions and services in six Thames Heritage Sites. Entry for MOST of these sites is FREE although a koha is appreciated. Check details below. Opening times vary between 9am and 4pm.
The Pumphouse (Bella Street)
The Pumphouse (Bella Street)
Explore high-quality exhibitions including displays created by local school children. Learn about NZ's involvement in the SA War 1899 - seen through the perspective of local residents, the emergence of the present day NZ Flag and also view displays about NZ's traditional titan rugby rival of South Africa. Experience the warmth of the Ubuntu African Society. Entry is FREE, although koha appreciated. Opening times are from 9am till 3pm. Pumphouse Expo exhibitions will also be open for viewing on Sunday from 10am to 3pm.To access Thames's Bella Street Pumphouse website - click here
Carnegie Library (Queen Street)
Carnegie Library (Queen Street)
New Zealand's participation in the South African War 1899-02 is often referred to as "NZ's Forgotten War." Grow your understanding - mainly through local Thames stories, including that of Walter Callaway. Learn about the little known involvement of Māoridom in the SA War (1899-02). Follow New Zealand's 10 Contingents war experiences in Southern Africa through high-quality information panels of stories, pictures and maps. Add your own connections. Entry is FREE, although koha appreciated. Opening times are between 10am and 4pm.
"It is, of course, important that commemorations should take place in the correct spirit. Not to refight the battles of the past, not to open up old wounds, not to ostracise or vilify “the enemy”, not to hero-worship; but rather to use the opportunity to reflect, and to take stock of a shared history and heritage. So commemorations must be inclusive." (Prof Andre Wessels - Professor Emeritus, University of Orange Free State, South Africa.)
The KiwiSA Expo is to help facilitate inclusivity through multiple avenues. Narratives from both sides of the conflict will be sensitively collected and collated.
The Thames SAT Rifles (in the Carnegie Meeting Room)
The Thames SAT Rifles (in the Carnegie Meeting Room)
Find out how Thames were gifted a set of 15 Boer Rifles after the SA War. Read more.
Discover why in 2013, Springboks Jannie and Bismarck Du Plessis - as well as Ruan Pienaar made a special pilgrimage to Thames to examine these weapons of war. Were they direct decedents of the owner of the Du Plessis Rifle? Entry FREE - (part of the other Carnegie exhibitions.)
The Treasury (Carnegie Complex in Queen Street)
The Treasury (Carnegie Complex in Queen Street)
Discover this world class research facility and Archive, which will also help any descendants of the 7,000 NZ Volunteers trace their war experiences in South Africa. The opportunity is also there for any descendants of the opposing side of that brutal conflict to share their stories too. Click here to explore information about local SA War volunteers and the Thames SA Monument, in The Treasury's website. Should you wish to explore further, The Treasury can help you access further information about their respective family histories. Opening times are from 10am till 4pm.
Thames Small Gauge Railway (Brown Street)
Thames Small Gauge Railway (Brown Street)
Thames Small Gauge Railway provides miniature rides for families on 900 meters of track running along the picturesque Thames foreshore. View shared heritage displays of how the Thames MP Sir George Grey inaugurated both the Cape Town and the Thames Railway lines with the ceremonial "turning of the sod" in 1859 and 1878. For more information see www.facebook.com/www.thamesrailway
Thames Museum (Pollen Street)
Thames Museum (Pollen Street)
Explore the fascinating treasures of local Thames history which can provide an insightful context to what the event is all about. Some Expo student posters are on display on the verandah. Entry fees apply and opening times are from 10am to 1pm. For more information, click here to access the Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Talonga o te Kauaeranga website.
Goldmine Experience (SH 25)
Goldmine Experience (SH 25)
Learn first hand how gold was extracted - and how Thames pioneering technology helped save the South African Gold mining industry in 1890. On the 6th September, you can explore the Goldmine Experience complex for FREE (not the tunnels).The massive, mesmerizing and magical steam machines, which drive the stamper battery, will also be operating on the day - a rare and special occurrence! Opening times are from 9am till 3pm. To access the Thames Goldmine Experience website - click here
Thames School of Mines (Cochrane Street)
Thames School of Mines (Cochrane Street)
The Thames School of Mines is the largest in New Zealand. In its hey day, this training, assaying and research facility helped pioneer the revolutionary cyanide process under the guidance of Prof James Park ( father of war hero Sir Keith Park). The game changing research not just impacted, but even rescued the early gold mining industry in South Africa. Tours can be arranged by appointment. To access the School of Mines website - click here Speak to staff at the Carnegie Building for more information.
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