The steam engine that has graced the front of the Whakatāne Museum and Research Centre for many years is being dismantled and relocated to Edgecumbe.

Built in 1882 by Bradley and Craven of Wakefield, the engine was originally used by an Auckland brickworks before being transported to Edgecumbe, where it was used at the George Syme & Co. Timber Mill. It was then used by their successor, the Tunnicliffe Timber Co., and after the company closed in 1976 was gifted to the Museum.

 In 1980, under the direction of the late Eddie Burton, the Lions Club of Whakatāne restored the steam engine and installed it in front of what was then the Whakatāne Museum and Gallery.

Hamish Pettengell, Museum and Arts Team Leader, says the relocation marks the end of an era. “The steam engine has been something of a landmark, but the proposed redevelopment of the Research Centre makes it necessary to free up the façade of the building, and we are very pleased that it is returning to Edgecumbe.”

The engine will be renovated and installed on a Council Reserve in College Road, Edgecumbe, and Mr Sid Tunnicliffe—a relative of the owners of Tunnicliffe Timber and project manager of the relocation—says there are plans to see it working again. “If possible, we would like to see it powered by compressed air, but that remains to be seen, and we are just very happy to see the engine coming home. It has been quite a long process, but we are getting there!”