Community
- ILT has boosted its funding for the new museum to $1.5 million.
- The museum will showcase Southland’s rich cultural heritage and community stories.
- Construction is progressing with distinctive structures linked by a double waka feature.
ILT has announced an additional $500,000 in funding for the new Te Unua Museum of Southland, raising its total contribution to $1.5 million.
Previously, the ILT Group had provided two grants of $500,000 each towards the Invercargill City Council’s museum project. This latest funding boost was confirmed following a recent ILT Board meeting.
ILT President Paddy O’Brien said ILT shares the community’s enthusiasm for the 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.
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.
Museum of Southland Museum Director Eloise Wallace said the museum would enrich the cultural landscape of Southland for generations.
“The vision for 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.”
“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 Museum of Southland.”
“ILT’s support of this project is a significant investment into our community, now and in the future,” she said.