Nestled in the heart of Inglewood, the Fun Ho! National Toy Museum serves as a living testament to an era when New Zealand-made meant built to last. For generations of Kiwis, these rugged, sand-cast aluminium toys were more than just playthings; they were a childhood rite of passage that endured the test of time in backyards and sandpits across the country.
The story of Fun Ho! began in 1935 when Jack Underwood founded the company in Wellington. However, it was the post-war shift to the Taranaki town of Inglewood in 1945 that cemented the brand’s place in regional history. Seeking a fresh start and better manufacturing opportunities, the move brought a unique mahi to the shadow of Taranaki Maunga, providing decades of employment for locals and putting the town firmly on the national industrial map.
At its peak, the Inglewood factory produced more than 100 different models, ranging from tractors and fire engines to aeroplanes and midget racers. Unlike the fragile plastic imports that eventually flooded the market, Fun Ho! toys were renowned for their indestructible nature. Many Taranaki whānau still possess original models passed down through generations, their paint worn thin by decades of play but their metal frames as sturdy as the day they were cast.
The 1970s and 1980s brought significant challenges as global trade policies changed and cheaper materials became the industry norm. While the main factory operations ceased in 1982, the legacy did not fade. Local passion and a deep respect for the brand’s heritage led to the establishment of the current museum and foundry. Today, the facility continues to produce limited runs of the classic toys using the original moulding techniques and traditional sand-casting methods.
Visitors to the museum, located on Rata Street, can often witness the pouring of molten metal, a process that has changed little in over 80 years. This dedication to craft ensures that the “Inglewood tradition” remains a tangible part of the local identity. For the Taranaki region, Fun Ho! is more than a brand; it is a symbol of mid-century ingenuity and a reminder of a time when the world’s most durable toys were born in a small town just a few kilometres from the coast.
Today, the museum attracts tourists and collectors from across the globe, serving as a nostalgic anchor for the North Taranaki community. It remains a key cultural stop for those exploring the province, offering a glimpse into an industrial past that helped define the Taranaki spirit of resilience and hard work.
