The Museum display includes exhibits on Ballance's life and career, Maori culture and the Ulster-New Zealand connection. Pictured below is a small selection of The Ballance House exhibits linking Ulster to New Zealand. With thanks to those who have kindly donated family heirlooms.
The original farming implements found around the site are on loan from The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum.
Within the Museum there is also an extensive collection of literature, including travel and historical topics - all visitors are welcome to browse.
A wooden club used by Maori warriors in hand-to-hand fighting where split section action is required. Made of wood, bone or stone.
The tewhatewha was a two-handed club popular with Maori warriors. Sometimes decorated with feathers, to flick at the face of the opponent as a distraction.
One of a number of cartoons. This example depicts John Ballance, introducing a progressive Land Tax.
Made of jute with cotton labels, these were used to send food parcels, such as an egg immersed in a tub of lard, to County Down from New Zealand. Gifted to the Museum from Mrs Menelly.
Presented by The Right Honorable James Bolger, previous Prime Minister of New Zealand during his visit to Ballance House on 12 March 1993.
A beautifully crafted wooden box depicting the native woods of New Zealand. On loan from Mrs D McMurray.
This document, dated 1994, between the City of Wanganui and Borough of Lisburn, recognises the historic link formed by John Ballance. It was renewed 20 years later at a ceremony in Wanganui.
Horses walking around the cobbled area turned the spindle which in turn rotated the butter churn in the house.
One of a large selection of photographs depicting Maori life covering a period from the 1860s-1930s. Donated from the Collection of the Auckland Institute & Museum.