ROYAL COMMISSION FINDS NAPIER SOUTH 'FOUND OBJECT MUSEUM' IS ONE HUBCAP AND A STORY

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Napier South Museum of Found Objects has handed down its interim findings. On the balance of probabilities, the institution consists of one hubcap and one story.

The Commission heard evidence from twelve witnesses over four sitting days. Curator Wiremu Ashcroft-Bain, 71, testified that the museum was founded in 2019 following what he described as "a bloody good find outside the Pak'nSave". Under cross-examination, Mr Ashcroft-Bain conceded the collection had not grown since opening day. He maintained the story attached to the hubcap had "gotten better".

Finding 3 records the hubcap is believed to have come off a 1987 Ford Telstar. Finding 4 notes it may equally have come off "a Nissan, possibly, look I'm not a mechanic", per the curator's own testimony. Neighbour Glenys Pittar told the inquiry she had visited once in 2021 and been kept for ninety minutes. "He wouldn't let me leave until I'd heard the whole thing twice," Mrs Pittar said. "The second time had extra bits."

The Commission further heard that a Hastings resident had offered to donate a second hubcap in 2022. The offer was declined. Mr Ashcroft-Bain gave evidence that two hubcaps would "dilute the story" and that Hastings could "start their own bloody museum". The submission is recorded verbatim at paragraph 47.

Recommendation 14 proposes the museum be granted heritage status. Recommendation 15 proposes it not be. The Commission could not reach consensus and has referred the matter to a sub-committee, which meets Tuesday.

The hubcap remains on display on a tea towel in Mr Ashcroft-Bain's front room. Admission is a gold coin. Per the terms of entry, "you've got to listen to the whole thing."