Ongaonga Historical Society Inc.

Ongaonga is a small village in Central Hawkes Bay. The village reached its peak in the early 1900s and is now home to many historical buildings. Ongaonga is also home to the Ongaonga museum, home to 13 historic buildings that date back to early settlers. The Ongaonga Historical society was first established in December 1964 as the Old School Museum Committee. Made up of enthusiastic local people and families interested in preserving the schoolhouse and led by E.S. Bibby. Over time, the museum has grown to the larger collection of 13 buildings that stand on the museum grounds. The committee is now the Ongaonga historical society and oversees the museum grounds and buildings.

Just as in 1964 the society depends on the generosity of others to pitch in to restore and protect the museum. The volunteering of time, resources, working bees and kind donations help the museum survive. The museum houses many artefacts and resources that are donated. The society works hard to preserve the buildings and their stories for future generations to enjoy. Thanks to the vision and passion of the original committee’s principles we can continue in their steed.

The Ongaonga historical societies primary focus is to restore on if the villages most important piece of history the Coles Building. The Coles building is intrinsic to the historical context of New Zealand and Ongaonga. The building is a heritage New Zealand category 1 listed building. It is a unique building of its type and era in New Zealand. Ongaonga’s historical society needs your help to preserve this special piece of history.

The Coles Building was constructed in 1878 by Edward Percuss Coles as a builders and joiners factory and had 17 employees at the time of opening. Over the years the building has housed a variety of businesses including carpentry, surveying, interior decorating, painting, blacksmith, plumbing and even had an undertaker operating out of the building.