Nine members of the Nosey Parkers group enjoyed a memorable visit to Paul Sangster’s private collection in Tākaka on Wednesday, November 20. The group, known for their curiosity and love of exploration, discovered a treasure trove far beyond their expectations.
Initially anticipating a collection of cars and motorbikes, they were instead treated to an eclectic array of collectibles that offered insights into history, local culture, and quirky memorabilia. Paul Sangster, a passionate collector, welcomed the group by sharing stories of his journey as a collector, which began with spare-time jobs and donations.
The collection is impressively diverse, featuring a large number guns and an extensive array of military memorabilia from both World Wars. Beyond this, visitors marveled at collections of caps, pens, oil cans, household goods, toys, and many things too numerous to mention.
There was even the old Tākaka jailhouse built in 1911, complete with police uniforms and fingerprinting equipment from the Tākaka area.
Paul’s stories about the origins of his items and the people he has encountered through his collecting journey added a personal touch to the visit. Although three of his trucks are stored offsite due to space constraints, his dedication to preserving these artifacts is clear.
After exploring the collection, the group enjoyed lunch in Tākaka, rounding off a fascinating day filled with history, storytelling, and camaraderie.
The visit highlighted the passion of local collectors like Paul Sangster and the value of preserving unique artifacts that connect us to our past.
The Nosey Parkers left inspired, with a deeper appreciation for the art of collecting and the rich history of the Tākaka region.
People can join Nosey Parkers by becoming members of the Motueka SeniorNet.
For joining information visit our website here.
