ILT is delighted to announce an additional $500,000 in funding for the new museum in Invercargill, bringing its total commitment to $1.5 million.

In 2023, ILT Group previously granted two rounds of $500,000 each towards the Invercargill City Council’s project to build Te Unua Museum of Southland, and this month announced its further support.

ILT President Paddy O’Brien said ILT shares the community’s enthusiasm for this project.

“We are thrilled to further our support for this landmark project. The new museum will be a tremendous asset for our community.”

Following the recent ILT Board meeting, total grants for the group are on track to exceed $9 million.

“We’re proud to hit this total, which reflects our long-standing commitment to supporting projects that make a positive difference in people’s lives. This project aligns with our vision of a vibrant Invercargill and will enhance cultural and educational offerings,” said Mr O’Brien.

Te Unua Museum of Southland Team Leader Commercial and Partnerships Helen Robinson said the support of community partners, including ILT, was critical to its success.

“We are extremely grateful for the support ILT has given Te Unua Museum of Southland, since the project’s inception. We quite simply could not bring this facility to life without it,” she said.

“We are extremely fortunate here in Southland, in that people really celebrate projects that champion our region, and we’re incredibly lucky to have organisations such as ILT that are dedicated to a legacy of positive impact for Invercargill.”

The building is taking shape with two distinct structures emerging that will be joined by an overhead double waka.

Te Unua Museum of Southland Museum Director Eloise Wallace said the museum would enrich the cultural landscape of Southland for generations.

“The vision for Te Unua Museum of Southland goes beyond simply creating a meaningful experience destination for our region, for both locals and visitors. Our facility is envisaged to be a significant shared experience for the wider community, and all who call this place home,” she said.

“It will reflect the many stories of our region – the people and places that have shaped Murihiku Southland in the past, and our aspiration is also to inspire the generations of Southlanders who grow up visiting Te Unua.

“ILT’s support of this project is a significant investment into our community, now and in the future,” she said.