The society was formed in 1998 after Capital Coast Health had expressed their intention to relinquish the Museum as they planned new uses for the Porirua Hospital campus.
A public meeting resolved to establish a supporters organisation for the Museum.

The main aims of the Society are:

• To ensure the continued survival and ongoing management of the Porirua Hospital Museum in the immediate future and to promote its further development.
• The promotion of understanding of mental health and services for those with mental illness and disability.
• The collection, preservation and presentation of materials relevant to the history of the hospital, its place in the development of Porirua City and of mental health services.
• The preservation of the Porirua Hospital Museum buildings and the site on which they stand.