This photograph was taken in November 2023 of the footbridge at Holben/Te Wharangi Reserve in Foxton Beach. The bridge linked the playground with the public toilets and bicycle course and spanned the wetland/pond in the Reserve.

In 2023 a weight limit was put on the bridge due to its age and condition. At the time of writing (12th of March 2024) the bridge was being replaced with a new one of a different design. 

This photograph was taken by Foxton photographer Jacob Brookie using a 1960 Agfa Flexilette camera loaded with Fomapan 200 film. This was a family camera of an unusual design where the photographer looked down into a viewing hood which showed what was and was not in focus (i.e a twin-lens-reflex). This design was not uncommon- but it was in 35mm cameras like the Agfa.

On the 30th of November 2022 Radio Foxton's station manager Xan and announcer Zeb installed a new aerial on the top of Coronation Hall. Thanks to the aerial (and brand new cable) the signal on 105.4FM can reach Tokomaru, Linton Camp and many other towns in the Manawatu-Horowhenua districts. The old aerial was felled by a storm and the temporary replacement had a much reduced range.

This photograph was taken by Foxton photographer Jacob Brookie. Jacob used a 1984 Praktica TL3, a solid camera built in what was then East Germany. Prakticas were no frills SLR cameras aimed at the amateur, and this one had a 28mm wide angle lens fitted. The photograph was taken at the back of Coronation Hall near the old Foxton jail.

This photograph was taken during a very cold morning in June 2022 by local photographer Jacob Brookie. It was taken in the Easton Park sportsgrounds at the back of the Foxton Pools, looking towards state highway one. 

Jacob used a 1990s Seagull 4A camera to take this photograph. The Seagull was a copy of the Rolleiflex camera and was basically unchanged since the 1960s and was made well into the 21st century. During the Cultural Revolution, having one of these cameras in China meant that you were a trusted state photographer (very few owned cameras in China at the time). However, Jacob bought his used online for $90.....

Local photographer Jacob Brookie took this picture in September of 2022- local election season! This scene is of the Seaview Gardens, at the base of the Foxton water tower on Main Street. The signs seen here belonged to candidates for Mayor, Council and the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board. Some of these faces were successful in their bid for office, others less so.

Jacob used a 1956 Lipca Rollop Automatic camera to take this picture.

Foxton's Busy Bee Dairy was a fixture of the town on State Highway One. In late 2022 it moved from the highway to a building in Foxton's Main Street. 

The old dairy was full of advertising and has been photographed many times by travellers passing through. Local photographer Jacob Brookie heard about the dairy's relocation and wanted to take a photograph of the Coca-Cola bottle painted on the side of the building before it was demolished. The photograph was taken in August 2022.

It is a strange combination of advertising for a massive global company which was probably made by a local painter!

Jacob used a 1957 Lipca Rollop Automatic camera to take this photograph. This camera takes twelve photographs per roll of 120 format film, with the photographer composing the photograph by looking down into a hood on the top of the camera. 

The 2022 Big Dutch Day Out featured an exhibition of photographer Ans Westra's fascinating glimpses into New Zealand life. Her impact on New Zealand photography and society is far too detailed to do justice in this short description- but it is reasonable to say that she was one of this country's greatest photographers and arriving from the Netherlands as a young women gave her the perspective behind many of her finest works.

Ans Westra was a guest of honour on the day and was part of the line of dignitaries including Members of Parliament and the Race Relations Commissioner who posed for a photograph by the De Molen windmill. Two lines formed- the dignitaries and the people taking a photograph of them.

Local photographer Jacob Brookie was there using a 1950s Yashica 'A' camera from the MAVtech Museum. He noticed the lines forming and thought that this was far more interesting than a front-on photo of notables. He also noticed that Ans Westra (seated in this picture) was taking a photo of the people taking a photo- placing her in both groups at once! 

Ans Westra famously used a Rolleiflex camera for much of her life and the Yashica A had a similar styling. She mentioned to Jacob that the digital camera she was using that day had a folding screen so she could compose pictures 'waist level' like Rolleiflex if she wanted to.

Ans Westra passed away on the 26th of February, 2023.

A feature of Foxton for many years, the 'Foxton Trading Post' second hand shop closed in Winter 2022. Local photographer Jacob Brookie took this photo of the shop's front entrance just before it closed down for good in an effort to preserve this part of the Main Street.

Jacob used a 1934 Rolleicord to take this photograph. The Rolleicord was the budget version of the Rolleiflex camera and was made for amateur photographers. Nonetheless, it was well built and had a quality lens and shutter. 

Foxton's New World Supermarket was in the midst of renovations when this photograph was taken. The scaffolding, road cones and construction workers quickly became a part of the town's Main Street. 

Local photographer Jacob Brookie took this photograph in June of 2022, looking down the footpath and towards the police station end of the street (towards Himatangi). Jacob used a 1953 Agfa Billy 1 folding camera to make this photograph on Ilford FP4 film.

During the Big Dutch Day Out 2022 a monkey kite got caught in the fans of the De Molen windmill, and ended up imitating King Kong on the Whare Manaaki! This caused much merriment until the kite master could remove it....

This was taken by Foxton photographer Jacob Brookie with a 1950s Yashica 'A' twin lens reflex camera. Made in Japan, this was an affordable camera for the enthusiast photographer and Jacob has used it to take many photographs around Foxton. 

The Yashica is owned by the MAVtech Museum of Audio and Visual Technology.

This photograph was taken on the 14th of August 2022 by Foxton photographer Jacob Brookie. It shows spectators observing the 29th annual Foxton Loop Race- an event organised by 'Welly Paddlers' which sees entrants paddling their boats around the Foxton River Loop.

Jacob used a 1930s Agfa Billy 4.5 to take this photograph. This was an amateur camera whose lens folded into the body using bellows for easy storage. Jacob borrowed this camera from the collection of Foxton's MAVtech Museum which has a range of vintage photographic equipment as part of it's collection of audio-visual technology.

Like the rest of New Zealand, Foxton entered a series of Level Four 'lockdowns' during the COVID-19 pandemic. And just like the rest of New Zealand this experience dominated community affairs. 

The Foxton Little Theatre boasted in 2022 that their new production was 'comedy for the COVID era'. 

This photograph was taken outside the Foxton Little Theatre during winter 2022 by local photographer Jacob Brookie. Jacob used a 1958 Yashica 44 camera to take this photograph. This camera was a small 'twin lens reflex' marketed towards families who wanted to take slides for a 'slide show' displayed with a projector.

One of the selling points of this camera was it's automatic film transport- it wasn't motorised, but if you wound the crank handle the film would stop in the right place. Half a century later it doesn't work as well (note the next frame of film intruding into the bottom of the photo!)

This photograph was taken on the 15th of October, 2022 when the 21st Supply Company of the 2nd Combat Services Battalion exercised their right to march down Foxton's Main Street in full uniform and with weapons. This right, proven after a ceremonial police challenge, was granted to the Company for their service to the town after the 2004 floods and the RSA clubrooms fire.

The morning of the march included an inspection by Mayor Bernie Wanden and an address by senior officers. 

Taken by local photographer Jacob Brookie using a 1956 Lipca Rollop Automatic camera- used by keen amateurs in its day. Jacob stood on Foxton's Main Street looking towards the War Memorial Hall.

Librarian Kiri Pepene and a member of the Adult Day Centre discuss the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.

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Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

​

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

A member of the Adult Day Centre enjoys the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.

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**_Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

​

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers from the 1960s, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

John, a member of the Adult Day Centre enjoys the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.

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_Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

​

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Members of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.

​

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

​

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Members of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940;'s, 1950's and 1960's.

​

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_Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

​

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Members of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.

​

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

​

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Librarian Jen Walton and a member of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.

​

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

​

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Members of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.

​

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

​

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Librarian Jen Walton and members of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers,, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Librarian Jen Walton and members of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Librarian Jen Walton and a member of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Librarian Jen Walton and a member of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Horowhenua Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Librarian Jen Walton and members of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old newspapers, original bound copies of The Levin Chronicle from the 1940's, 1950's & 1960's.

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers from the 1960s, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Members of the Adult Day Centre enjoys the 'Archive Explorer', a unique and interactive way to engage with Kete Horowhenua. The Archive Explorer was made by Storybox and uses their unique 'This or That' computer programme.

​

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

​

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers from the 1960s, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

A member of the Adult Day Centre enjoys the 'Archive Explorer', a unique and interactive way to engage with Kete Horowhenua. The Archive Explorer was made by Storybox and uses their unique 'This or That' computer programme.

​

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

​

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers from the 1960s, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Members of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old photos, printed from Kete Horowhenua.

Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022.

​

Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers from the 1960s, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Members of the Adult Day Centre enjoy the old photos from Kete Horowhenua.

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Library and Heritage outreach in the community - Wednesday 24 August 2022. Kiri Pepene (Information Research and Local History Librarian), Jennifer Walton (Services to Older Adults Librarian) & Leala Faleseuga (Digital Inclusion Coordinator) visited the Levin Baptist Church's Adult Day Centre, bringing parts of the library out to our community. This outreach visit had a Heritage focus, local newspapers from the 1960s, old photos, elements of the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, and the brand new 'Archive Explorer' for the members of the Adult Day Centre to enjoy and use.

Detail of the interior of the replica Poroutawhao Flour Mill, located at the Horowhenua Vintage Car Club. The black metal parts are the salvaged pieces of the original 1850's mill. The black metal parts are the salvaged pieces of the original 1850's mill.

The original mill was built by the Roman Catholic Missionary Fr. Jean Baptise Comte in 1850, for Ngāti Huia. Surviving pieces of the original Poroutawhao Flour Mill located on the northern side of Paeroa Road, were salvaged by the late J.O. Stewart in the early 1980s. The pieces were donated to the Horowhenua Vintage Car Club in 2008, to restore and house. The restoration was completed in 2013 and opened by Mrs. Gae Stewart on 26 January 2014. Images were taken for the 'Timber, Flax, Flour: The History of Mills in the Horowhenua' exhibition, August 2022 at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō Gallery Space.