Southland Museum’s Opening Could Be Delayed

Friday, 7 March 2025, 9:32 pm
Article: Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter

The opening of Southland’s new museum could be pushed back to early 2027 as the council works to coordinate with key stakeholders.

This week, a report was brought before Invercargill City Council saying there were “challenges” with Te Unua Museum of Southland's experience design — the content element of the project.

The organisation had enlisted the help of Gibson Group for that part of the job, but it remained incomplete which had both time and cost implications.

“Unfortunately, this is likely to have a tangible impact on our progress and the anticipated opening date for the public,” the report said.

It highlighted challenges with mana whenua engagement and the collections work programmes as key areas causing delay.

In response to questions from Local Democracy Reporting, museum director Eloise Wallace said it was important they worked closely with a wide range of people to make sure the museum reflected the region.

In doing so, it was collaborating with four papatipu rūnaka in Murihiku — Wāihopai, Awarua, Ōraka-Aparima and Hokonui.

“There are numerous parties, groups, and stakeholders involved in this process, and it has been challenging to reach a general consensus on our approach, align meeting times, and work around people’s availability,” Wallace said.

The council was in the process of securing a contract with Waihōpai Rūnaka, which would represent Kāi Tahu Kā Rūnaka ki Murihiku (Awarua, Waihopai, Ōraka-Aparima and Hokonui).

Wallace said confirming how the museum would tell the region’s stories at a “fully-developed” level was a challenge because of the capacity, time and expertise required.

The process had been slower than expected, meaning the planned opening date of late 2026 was now in jeopardy.

“Should we continue to experience delays in the experience design space, then there is a risk that the opening of our facility could extend into early 2027.”

The project has already faced financial challenges, with councillors approving an additional $13 million last October.

That decision pushed the final bill for the project out to $87 million.

Invercargill has been without a permanent museum since April 2018 when the previous one closed for safety reasons.

Waihōpai Rūnaka kaiwhakahaere (chair) Cyril Gilroy said the council first approached the rūnaka in December to discuss contracting mana whenua for cultural design engagement.

A contract was now being finalised, he said.

“We are committed to working in partnership with the museum project and experience production teams to build a strong mana whenua visual and sensorial presence at Te Unua.

“By utilising cutting-edge audiovisual technology, we plan to develop and share authentic tribal stories to complement taoka on display at Te Unua.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

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