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.

The Super Quad Fishing Competition is run by the Manawatu Marine Boating Club, with four fishing days held each year. For 2023, a jetski was the prize, and there were more than 80 skippers and 200 contestants angling to win it. 

Local photographer Jacob Brookie took this photograph of the weigh - in at the final day of the contest- the 7th of April 2023. It was taken in the Manawatu Marine Boating Club's equipment room by the Foxton Beach Boat ramp at around 2pm in the afternoon. Pictured are contestants weighing a kahawai, with a volunteer pictured in the background taking note of the contestant, their boat, the species and the weight.

Jacob used a 1966 Marshal Press camera for this photograph on Ilford black and white film. The metal camera weighed almost as much as some of the fish did! 

Who says cinema advertising had to be complicated? This slide, screened at the end of intermission, is as simple as can be! The Foxton Beach Store seemed to be the 'go to' place for everything- but in April 1928 it burned down in a fire. It is not known when this slide was made, but it could easily have been around this date given how simple it is!  A 1950s advertising guidebook stated that the screen advertising business was quite new in New Zealand.

One thing the slide does not mention is where the store was located (neither does the report on the fire). However, given how small Foxton is it was probably assumed that everyone knew anyway!

At the end of intermission, just as cinema patrons were settling into their seats, the advertising slides were screened. The job of preparing, screening and storing these slides was usually the job of the apprentice projectionist. During the 'Carbon Arc' projector era (lasting until the 1960s) it took over four years to become a fully qualified projectionist so this was a job you got used to!

Each slide was only shown for a few seconds to avoid the glass cracking from the projector lamp's heat. This meant that audiences never got to ask- why does that man have so many chickens on the BBQ? Should he buy a bigger one? How many people does has he invited? Will the meat cook evenly or will everyone get food poisoning? Whatever the answers were he looks very pleased with himself....

With the rise of the supermarket the local butcheries often closed down. We have slides from Foxton and Foxton Beach butchers but neither trade in the towns today.

Companies records show that this business was registered on the 20th of June 1975 and was removed from the register on the 15th of June 1993. 

On a community Facebook page in 2020 many Foxton locals fondly remember this business which was said to have traded from 1955-1969. It was at the heart of many memories of ice creams, chocolates and tasty treats delivered for weddings and parties. 

But before Facebook advertising became a boom for local businesses, cinema advertising was the way to get the word out locally. The late 1950s/early 1960s was the high point for cinema admissions in New Zealand and these easy to make slides could be selectively screened in local cinemas to get to the right audience.

In fact, one local remembers going to the cinema right after visiting Lanes. 

Did they see this slide? 

The words on this slide would have been written locally. Unlike today's slick advertising firms where everything is carefully checked and rechecked, a spelling error ('Partys') got through on this slide.

Back when Foxton Beach had fewer residents (and far fewer phone numbers) it was possible to sell fruit and vegetables street by street twice a week. At least, that's what Mister Hitchings did! His cinema advertising slide would have been shown at local theatres for a few seconds at a time- otherwise the heat from the projector arc would crack the slide. 

Given that each slide was shown for such a short time, the best of them used eye-catching, simple designs like this one. 

However, MAVtech cannot find any references to Hitching's business in Kete or in other records, so it may not have survived in Main Street for long. Cinema advertising slides were a great source of promotion for local businesses due to their low cost and (in a time when going to the cinema was sometimes a weekly pleasure) a high reach. Today they are often the only trace of historical businesses which survive. 

Using a steam heated honey uncapping knife in the extracting shed at Field's Apiaries 1967-68 season. Foxton

  Before digital media came to the cinema adverts were shown using transparent slides. Each slide was loaded into the projector for only a few seconds, otherwise the heat would cause the glass to crack. They were usually shown during the intermission, just as the audience was returning to their seats.  

To keep costs down for advertisers some local businesses used 'stock illustrations' for their slides- like Jones' Post Office Store in Foxton Beach probably did. The happy fisherman is carrying a trout on his back and a triumphant look in his eyes- but most Foxton fishing happened in the sea! 

Mounted black and white photograph attached to grey card.

Foxton flood August 1926. This photograph shows four men standing on the jetty at Foxton Beach.

See also f1999.1452

Black and white photograph.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

   #CaptureYourHorowhenua photography competition - Nature & Adventure / April 2022.   

  On Top Of The World! Miss 6 loves exploring every stick hut she comes across on our morning walks at Foxton Beach.  

 #CaptureYourHorowhenua is a district-wide amateur photography competition that encourages Horowhenua residents to showcase what they love about their district. The images are exhibited at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, and the winner is decided by public vote.     

  #CaptureYourHorowhenua photography competition - Nature & Adventure / April 2022.   

 Sunset photography. My photos are taken at Foxton Beach and by the Manawatu River at Foxton Beach. These photos you see here are taken at sunset my favourite time of day. When my sister and I go on long walks around the point or just down sunset walkway, so I can capture these stunning moments you see here, in this beautiful place I call home. These photos represent love, because taking photos of the sunset is something I love doing, and it making me truly happy and I hope they make you happy too.  

Photographer: Morgan Jane Jerard

   #CaptureYourHorowhenua is a district-wide amateur photography competition that encourages Horowhenua residents to showcase what they love about their district. The images are exhibited at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, and the winner is decided by public vote. 

  #CaptureYourHorowhenua photography competition - Nature & Adventure / April 2022.    

Sunset photography. My photos are taken at Foxton Beach and by the Manawatu River at Foxton Beach. These photos you see here are taken at sunset my favourite time of day. When my sister and I go on long walks around the point or just down sunset walkway, so I can capture these stunning moments you see here, in this beautiful place I call home. These photos represent love, because taking photos of the sunset is something I love doing, and it making me truly happy and I hope they make you happy too.  

Photographer: Morgan Jane Jerard

   #CaptureYourHorowhenua is a district-wide amateur photography competition that encourages Horowhenua residents to showcase what they love about their district. The images are exhibited at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, and the winner is decided by public vote.  

95 FM announcer Terry Watt with microphone in his hand at the Foxton Beach Polar swim on 20 June 1999

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Participants line up prior to entering the water at the Foxton Beach Polar swim 20th June 1999

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Participants leaving the water at the Foxton Beach Polar Swim on 20 June 1999

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

The 3 bedroom beach property was for sale on TradeMe in November 2010.

It was described:

• Over 1600m² of land in 2 titles with a 3 bedroom house on one.
• Needs some TLC but what a development site for a creative thinker who can see long term potential.
• Rateable value: $165,000
• Price by negotiatio­n

This 3 bedroom property was for sale on TradeMe in November 2010 with an asking price of $190,00.

It was described as:

• Land area: 1060m2
• Rateable value: $205,000
• Built to last this Art Deco home with generous 140m2 floor space, north facing, sun drenched bedrooms.
• The lounge and dining has inbuilt Kent fire place, great for holidays or a permanent home.
• Currently tenanted at $200 p/w, its worth the investment for later down the track.
• It's the kind of house that could spruce up nicely to it's former glory.
• Easy walk to the estuary, bird sanctuary then on out the river mouth to the sea.

Three photographs joined give a panoramic view of the Foxton Beach estuary beach. A number of private residences are shown with people on the beach. The names of some of the people who owned that houses are inscribed on the back and include the names Bob Hornblow, Linklater, Holben, Watchorn and Lynch.

Note: Photograph is too wide to be scanned completely.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

This 3 bedroom house was for sale on tradeMe in November 2010 with an asking price $650,000 (rateable value: $500,000).

It was described:

• Selling together 37 and 35 Hartley St.
• Land area: 1302m2
  
  
• 37 Hartley is the original 1950's Beach Bach with stunning views out the kitchen/lounge windows and the deck where you can watch the sun going down after a great days fishing.
• 3 bedrooms with the original wallpaper.
• The bathroom with shower, separate toilet and laundry facilities.
• The inbuilt fireplace in the living room will keep you warm on colder days.
• The land area of just over a quarter acre on the corner has room for all your desires for your estuary paradise.
• It's the first time to the market in three generations and they are calling for serious buyers to view and take advantage of all it has to offer.

This 2 bedroom cottage was for sale on TradeMe in November 2010 with an asking price $179,000 (rateable value: $205,000).

It was described:

• So close to the estuary but elevated free draining section.
• 2 bedrooms, open plan living has renovated bathroom, laundry areas, new carpet and fabulous sheltered sunny north facing conservatory to melt your worries away.
• Near new large double garage with power and attached carport.
• A spacious log cabin sleepout with the addition of an extension and adding services could be a great second accommodation.
• Enjoy this get-a-way with friends and have no regrets in life

This3 bedroom house at the beach was listed for sale on TradeMe in March 2014 for enquiries over $225,000.

It was described:

• A three bedroom house plus sleep out on a quarter acre subdividable section.
• Very close to beach and cafe.
• A lovely view of the reserve from the home's elevated position, also a great outdoor area to the rear of the property.

Written on back – 10 years before 1932?

Sinkhole on flat as a result of earthquake at Foxton Beach 1942

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Written on back – Earth Quake 1942 Paddock Pavilion Stamped on back – 4 8

Sinkhole at “paddock pavilion” as result of earthquake at Foxton Beach 1942

Plus small photocopy.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Written on back – Earth Quake 1942 Top Paddock Stamped on back – 4 8

Sinkhole at “tap paddock’ as result of earthquake at Foxton Beach 1942

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Written on back – Earth Quake. 1942 Ramp Skating Rink Stamped on back – 4 8

Cracked road as result of earthquake at Foxton Beach 1942

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Written on back – Earth Quake. 1942 Blow Hole Foxton Beach. Stamped on back – 4 8

Blowhole/sinkhole as result of earthquake at Foxton Beach 1942

Plus small photocopy.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Written on back of large photo – Earth Quake 1942 Skating Rink site Stamped on back – 4 8

Written on back of small photo – Earthquake Foxton Beach 1942 Stamped on back – 3 8

Sinkholes on site of future skating rink as result of earthquake at Foxton Beach 1942

Additional small copy.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Written on back – Earth Quake. 1942 Seabury Ave Nash Parade Stamped on back – 4 8

Cracked road at Seabury Ave – Nash Parade as result of earthquake at Foxton Beach 1942

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Written on back – Earth Quake. 1942 McPherson Ave. Boat Shed. Stamped on back – 4 8

Blowhole/sinkhole at McPherson Avenue Boat Shed as result of earthquake at Foxton Beach 1942

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Written on back – 10 years before 1932?

Deep sinkhole as result of earthquake at Foxton Beach 1942

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”