Councils
- Invercargill City Council confirms commitment to Museum of Southland with full project scope.
- Council decision means total investment rises to $87 million, requiring a 1.54% rates increase.
- Museum of Southland set to open in late 2026, offering a cultural hub.
Invercargill City Council has decided to move ahead with the full design scope for the Museum of Southland, despite a budget shortfall that required further investment. Between August 23 and September 23, the Council consulted with the community on four options to address the funding gap. Related: Watch: Extraordinary Council – Museum of Southland Deliberations - 22 October
The initial options included reducing the project's Green Star accreditation, decreasing the amount of digital experiences, or delaying the construction of a planned 71-space car park.
The Council received 286 submissions and heard directly from 12 residents at a public hearing on October 8. Following the consultation, Councillors voted almost unanimously to continue with the complete design plan. This decision requires an additional $13 million, bringing the total project cost to $87 million. As a result, the Council’s total investment will be $76.7 million, necessitating a 1.54% increase in rates.
Lead Councillor for the project, Grant Dermody, emphasised that this development is vital for the community’s future. “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,’” Dermody said.
Council Programme Director Lee Butcher confirmed that the build team, Naylor Love, is already preparing 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 project is advancing through the developed design stage, focusing on content and storytelling elements.
The new museum will play a significant role in preserving the region’s cultural heritage, showcasing Southland’s stories and history. It is expected to become a prominent feature in the local cultural landscape when it opens to the public in late 2026.