News
Stories of Southland's past, present and future are taking shape behind the scenes as the Museum of Southland prepares for its 2027 opening in Invercargill.
With physical construction on track and within budget for completion later this year, the museum team is now focused on developing the narratives and experiences that will fill the new facility.
Museum of Southland Team Leader Experience David Dudfield said staff have been working with experience designers Gibson International and community members to create the storytelling content for the museum.
Marching Southland is among the local organisations contributing to the project, with representatives helping to prepare video content for the western experience building.
"Museums are places created to reflect the wider history, identity, and culture of the place they call home. We are really pleased with how the narratives within our museum are shaping up. I think the people of Southland are going to be delighted to see how our people, our places, and our stories will be reflected the moment they step through the doors," Dudfield said.
"Storytelling is at the heart of our new regional museum, and the mahi to develop the narratives within the Museum of Southland is an enormous process, which is why it's so important we work with the community to tell them. We can't say too much more at this stage, because we want to ensure our community experiences that full gamut of emotions – from surprise to delight – when we open."
Twelve marchers aged 13 to 18 from the Hokonui Under-18 team participated in filming for the museum experience. The team has won three consecutive national and South Island titles.
Marching Southland Publicity and Promotions Officer Sheree Hall said the organisation felt honoured to be involved.
"It was such a huge honour, truly. From a Marching Southland committee point of view, it was really exciting to have an opportunity to showcase marching in that kind of way," she said.
The young marchers performed their display 15 to 20 times during filming, which Hall said was physically demanding but the girls remained in good spirits throughout.
"It's quite easy to forget that marching is quite a historical part of Southland. I know for myself, when I was working in a care home, so many of the older ladies would be really proud to tell me 'I used to be a marching girl!' It's something that sticks with you throughout your life."
The association's oldest team, Blue Jay Marching, has been active for more than six decades. Currently, 11 teams operate within the association, though numbers have declined over the years due to cost of living pressures, time constraints, and increased sporting options for children.
"We loved having the opportunity to show our community that we are still here, and to remind people that marching is a great experience for kids – there's travel, there's friendship, there's growth and personal development. Marching just gives so much to the kids, and we loved being able to show everybody what it means and gives to us. We really can't wait to see it come to life at the museum," Hall said.