Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, November 14, 2023
The Waikato River is the longest in New Zealand and is a tupuna (ancestor), a taonga (treasure), and the mauri (life force) of Waikato-Tainui, Raukawa, Ngati Tūwharetoa and the Te Arawa iwi.
The Municipal Baths were opened on 23 December 1912 in Hamilton, a year after the formation of the Hamilton Swimming Club. The much-anticipated opening was celebrated with a carnival, hosted by the Club. Over the following years many swimming carnivals were held, including the country provincial championships in 1914. Numerous additions and upgrades were made over time, and when the Baths were finally closed 100 years later, none of the original structure remained, but the love for water-based activities and leisure has only grown stronger for Hamiltonians.
A new exhibition in Hamilton is a tribute to a love for water and swimming over the years, along with a special mention of the Waikato River, which has been the life force of the region over the years.
About the Exhibition
Vintage swimwear, historical photographs, and newly commissioned artwork inspired by the Waikato River are all part of the exhibition ‘In the Swim,’ which opened at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato in Hamilton last week, on Friday, November 3, 2023.
Diving into the local history of outdoor swimming, In the Swim is a celebration of the many ways Hamiltonians enjoy this timeless summer sport. The exhibition includes an immersive diving pool experience with digital video projection, allowing visitors to go ‘underwater’ without getting wet.
Liz Cotton, Director of Museum and Arts said In the Swim is a fun and nostalgic exploration of swimming in Hamilton Kirikiriroa.
“It is fascinating to look at how times and tastes have changed through the objects in our collection, from the full-length woollen swimsuits of the 1920s to skin-baring bikinis fifty years later,” she said.
“We are also very excited to present new work by artist Tia Barrett (Ngai Tahu, Ngaati Maniapoto, Ngaati Tamainupoo), created specifically for In the Swim. Her moving image artwork beautifully presents te awa Waikato as a living entity with its powerful personality.”
In the Swim, developed by Waikato Museum curator Dr Nadia Gush, incorporates contributions from Robin Hood ONZM, whose illustrious diving career includes being the first New Zealander ever appointed to judge at the Olympic Games, and the Bomb Life Family who have perfected the art of the ‘manu’ and run family-friendly events at Waterworld.
“There has been so much to explore in curating this exhibition, from competitive river races held more than 100 years ago to the sudden popularity of unisex boardshorts in the 1990s,” said Dr Gush.
“The unifying theme across the decades has been how much Hamiltonians love the warm summer months when they can jump in a pool or paddle their feet in the river.”
In the Swim is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato until 28 April 2024. Entry is free.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
