'It's been challenging to reach a general consensus'
“As we drill down into the detail of the design, we have some components of the experience that are currently less resolved than we had hoped for at this stage of the programme.”
Te Unua Museum of Southland Director Eloise Wallace says it is critical to work with a wide variety of people to develop the storytelling aspect of the new museum, but getting consensus has been challenging.
A report to council on Tuesday suggested the opening of Invercargill’s new museum is at risk of being delayed with Invercargill City Council staff pointing to issues with the design of what’s inside the building - particularly around mana whenua engagement.
Wallace said they were continuing to work towards a late 2026 opening date for Te Unua Museum of Southland. However, if delays continue for the experience design, there was a risk that the opening could extend into early 2027.
“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.
“Confirming how we plan to tell our stories at a fully-developed level, so that Gibson International can continue to meet the work timeline, is a challenge. Largely because the capacity, time, and expertise required within both a relatively small internal team, and external parties, is extensive.”
Included in the variety of people being engaged with is the four papatipu rūnaka of Murihiku – Waihōpai, Awarua, Ōraka-Aparima, and Hokonui, and they are also working towards securing a contract with Waihōpai Rūnaka to support it.
Wallace said the quest is to create an “outstanding, immersive, and engaging experience for a broad audience”.
It will encompass Southland’s earliest origins through to today and also cover the length and breadth of our region, from Fiordland to the remote Sub-Antarctic Islands.
“Murihiku Southland’s heritage is storied and colourful, and there are myriad perspectives, including from mana whenua, to weave throughout the experience design, so it’s a big task,” Wallace said.
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The process has been slower than originally expected, which has impacted the workflow in Gibson International’s shift from the concept design phase to the developed design phase.
“As we drill down into the detail of the design, we have some components of the experience that are currently less resolved than we had hoped for at this stage of the programme.”
Rūnaka Kaiwhakahaere (Chair) Cyril Gilroy said the Invercargill City Council first approached Waihōpai Rūnaka in early December to discuss contracting mana whenua to undertake cultural design engagement for the Te Unua Exhibition Experience Production.
“Mahi has since been underway to scope this project and we are in the process of finalising a contract with the council.”
Waihōpai Rūnaka will then work on behalf of Kāi Tahu Kā Rūnaka ki Murihiku (Awarua, Waihopai, Ōraka-Aparima and Hokonui) to support Invercargill City Council with this mahi.
“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.”
“This is an exciting project that we are looking forward to embarking on.”
While there have been hold ups in the design process the actual construction of the museum building is said to be progressing well.
Council’s project director Lee Butcher said Naylor Love had begun the year positively, “with all consents and the physical building progressing smoothly”.
This is the problem with rate payer funded projects, a select few cream it at the expense of the many. If you can't deliver on time then move on.
Simple solution is if the area's or displays causing delays can't be done in time move forward without them and avoid any extra expense to the ratepayers.Displays can be added at a later date if required