Invercargill City Council will proceed with its new museum as planned.

Between August 23 and September 23, Invercargill City Council consulted with the community on options to address a budget shortfall in the project to build Te Unua Museum of Southland.

The four options outlined were moving ahead with the full scope of design for the museum, removing Green Star accreditation, reducing the ratio of digital experiences, or – Council’s preferred option at the time of consultation – to delay the construction of a 71-space car park and remove Green Star accreditation.

Council received 286 submissions, and heard from 12 submitters in person during a hearing held on October 8.

In an almost unanimous decision at their meeting today, Councillors agreed to proceed with the full scope of design for the project. This would require an additional investment of $13 million, bringing the total cost of the project to $87 million. The total investment by Council will be $76.7 million, and will require a 1.54 percent rates increase.

Lead Councillor for the project, Grant Dermody, said the museum development was a significant project, and decisions relating to it needed to take a long-term approach.

“This is about creating an outstanding asset for our community today, and our community tomorrow. While we have heard a range of perspectives regarding the museum redevelopment, overwhelmingly the community has told us their view is to ‘do it once, do it right’,” he said.

He had appreciated hearing from those within the community during the consultation period, he said.

“We know people see the development of Te Unua Museum of Southland as critical in terms of our region’s cultural landscape. It is an essential part of preserving the stories and tāoka of our region, and celebrating who we are and where we come from. We also know that striking the right balance between building a fit-for-purpose facility and affordability is front-of-mind for our community.

“We owe it to future generations of Southlanders to ensure Te Unua Museum of Southland is built to be the best it can be.”

Council Programme Director Lee Butcher said the build team, Naylor Love, was in the process of establishing the site.

“Early civil works are in full swing and the initial phase of the build itself is on track to begin towards the end of the year,” he said.

“The team is also working through the developed design stage for the museum experience, including content, narrative, and storytelling solutions. All of the puzzle pieces are well and truly coming together, and we are looking forward to entering the next phase of the project. It’s a significant development for our community, and soon the progress we’ve been making will be apparent to those in the area.”

Te Unua Museum of Southland is scheduled to open to the public in late 2026.

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