Natalie Brookland
Northern Advocate columnist
Natalie Brookland is collections curator, Whangārei Museum at Kiwi North
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Check out Natalie’s latest content
Tobacco spit receptacles have tale to tell
Spitting once an accepted practice for tobacco chewers in both public, private settings.
Collecting botanical specimens a popular pastime
Clarke's legacy serves as a delicate memory aide of our most precious native trees.
Tray tangible reminder of bakery family's contribution
Just like today, entering a bakery a century ago would have filled the senses.
Our Treasures: Preacher captures North's early years on film
Camera accessories form part of a larger collection of donated photographic paraphernalia.
'Fue' representative symbols of chiefly rank
Fly whisks had a dual purpose of both mundane and sacred uses.
Mystery over Florence Nightingale letter
Nightingale attracted many suitors resulting in marriage proposals; she declined them all.
Old photo captures slower pace of life
What was life like in Water St, Whangārei during the early 1900s?
Neatly dressed mystery man: Now we know who he was
The ultimate answer to the mystery came from Waipū Museum's collection manager.
Ostrich feathers and fans: Relics of feather trade on show at Whangārei Museum
Ostrich farming was first established in the district at Pataua around 1898.
Handcuffs hint at law enforcement methods of past
Maintaining community order was a priority in the colonial era.
World in grip of a phrenology craze 150 years ago
Phrenological busts show a side of our colonial past not often explored.
Who is the man in this mystery photo?
The Lovatts were an honest hardworking and religious couple.
Magic light shows from yesteryear
Invented in the 1650s, magic lantern projectors were used mainly for entertainment.
Amy Englund puts her floristry skills to good use
Part two of a story containing some great detective work and wonderful finds.
History of century-old building comes to light
Part one of a two-part story containing some great detective work and wonderful finds.
Powder horn showcases Māori craftsmanship
The bullock horn was made by Waikato, chief of the Te Hikutū hapu of Ngāpuhi, in 1820.
Lost 17th century sailing relics in Museum collection
An unsuccessful search party failed to find the ill-fated frigates.
Kiwi House husbandry officer goes a step further
Traps have been carefully located on the property's perimeter adjoining Pukenui Forest.
Heirlooms offer nostalgia from bygone era
The first European settlers to NZ brought the Christmas cheer practice with them.
A&P enthusiast medical man with passion for animals
At first, A & P Shows were purely competitions featuring farm animals and crops.
Old gardening catalogues confirm which veges endure
Catalogues help would-be gardeners in their decision-making and with their gardening woes.
Teapot appreciation for 'deeds served'
Perhaps it was Mrs Weaver's "Champion Scones" that led to the club's presentation.
Walking stick's connection to 1901 NZ Royal visit
Duke and Duchess of Sussex's recent visit reminiscent of a past Royal tour from 1901.