When Fleur first set foot in the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park, she wasn’t planning a career move, just a Saturday outing with her husband and grandchild. But the visit left her spellbound. “I’d done hundreds of events over the years,” she recalls, “and as we wandered around the park, my excitement began to build. I remember saying, I have to do an event here, it’s incredible.”
A few weeks later, fate (and a follow-up visit) led to a meeting with Gloria, and before long Fleur had joined the team as Event Manager. With a background in luxury lodges and event management, she brings both professionalism and infectious enthusiasm to this historic riverside gem.
Fleur’s vision is one of energy, connection, and revival, not only preserving the park’s rich heritage but reimagining it as a vibrant community hub. “It’s way more than a museum,” she says. “It’s a place that lends itself to anything and everything - from school visits and storytelling to music in the park and bike adventures along the Rail Trail. The possibilities are endless.”
We caught up with Fleur to hear more about her hopes and plans for this special place.
The Park has such a rich and fascinating history. What has stood out to you most since stepping into your new role, any stories or details that have really captured your imagination?
My first thoughts were that this would be a massive undertaking as it is such a multi-faceted business. It was way more than a museum and park if that wasn’t already enough. My mind was in overdrive, I could see potential everywhere as it lends itself to anything and everything you could ever imagine. I could hardly sleep with excitement and the endless possibilities running through my head.
You mentioned the fascinating history, this is significant and important to preserve, and something I am passionate about and think we could greatly improve on, while also encompassing the surrounding areas in everything we do and telling the story of the Hauraki District and beyond.
Photo: Paeroa Historical Maritime Park - Museum displays
It sounds like there’s a real energy around refreshing and enhancing the visitor experience. What are some of the changes or improvements you’re most excited about?
I’m excited to bring a new energy to the park, and to see it thriving with visitors both locally and beyond as well as international tourists. What we have is special and it needs to be shared and appreciated by all. What stands out for me is that it is somewhere that can be enjoyed by young and old.
I would like to see improvements within the museum. I have not even touched the surface of how significant the site is and I believe it needs to be in a format that is appealing to all ages, where local schools are engaging with the site and excited to learn about the history it holds.
This is not an overnight fix and would require the engagement of historians and alike. The stories need to be recorded and put into a format that can be passed on to future generations. I will be actively looking for funding to digitise the history, with the hope of having a team that can bring all these stories together, so they are well presented. I would like to see the riverboats running whenever the tides allow, and families really making the most of the park.
Photo: Paeroa Historical Maritime Park - Riverboat cruise
With the Hauraki Rail Trail right on your doorstep, how do you see the Park connecting with riders, whether that’s as a destination, a place to pause and explore, or perhaps even for future events?
This is another very exciting aspect of the park and I’m thrilled that this is already in place. I believe without a doubt it’s a destination and base for riders wanting to experience and explore the Hauraki Rail Trail, and the potential to increase visitors is huge. I 100 percent believe we could be working together on big biking events.
I am lucky to have a brother in the film industry, and we have been in discussions around using his expertise in creating a tourist video showcasing the park, the Hauraki Rail Trail, the gorge and all of its beauty. Sending a drone down the river filming riders with bikes on our boats arriving at Paeroa and incorporating all of the local scenic beauties that surround us.
We have a wonderland here bursting with history and beauty which needs to be shared. I am astounded by the amount of people that come through the park saying they have driven by for years and never stopped in. I want them to stop and explore, that’s my vision for the future and I believe together we can showcase the entire area and all of the strengths we have.
Photo: The Paeroa Historical Maritime Park - a short detour from the Trail
New signage is about to be installed at the Trail junction. How will this benefit the Park?
This will be most beneficial for the park in highlighting us as a destination where they can stop in, take a lunch break and enjoy the parks surroundings and if time allows visit and explore some of the history and artefacts we hold. I believe the Hauraki Rail Trail adds value to us without a doubt and love that we are part of that.
I would like to see us having a selection of bikes onsite for those that didn’t plan on jumping on the Rail Trail, but would be tempted if affordable bikes or free bikes are available for them to use so they can experience the Trail and we can promote this experience particularly to young families.
Photo: Paeroa Historical Maritime Park - exploring the grounds
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park, what kind of experience would you love visitors to have when they come through the gates?
Customer service is high on my priority list, and I have always gone above and beyond in ensuring that visitors leave with a memorable experience. My vision for the park is to appeal to young and old, local and international visitors and to strengthen the experience by providing a world class tourist attraction, with us being the gateway to Hauraki encompassing everything around us.
I would love to see monthly events like music in the park, night markets, river boat cruises, high teas, outdoor movie nights, weddings, functions, conferences, families visiting the park and jumping on bikes to experience the Rail Trail before returning later in the day. The list is endless really, with this growth I believe the park will be in a position to create employment and become a vibrant and valued asset to Paeroa.
Photo: Paeroa Historical Maritime Park - the perfect spot for a picnic
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