The development of the region’s new museum Te Unua Museum of Southland marks a transformative milestone for Invercargill City Council. For nearly eight decades, the former Southland Museum and Art Gallery served as a cornerstone of cultural and historical engagement, first opening its doors in Queens Park in 1942. However, on April 12, 2018, the museum was forced to close after an assessment revealed it was a significant earthquake risk. The closure left Waihōpai and Murihiku without a functioning museum and art gallery for the first time since 1874, a significant cultural gap for the region.
In response, the Council has taken on an impressive new project: Te Unua Museum of Southland. Designed to be more than just a museum, Te Unua will be a dynamic cultural facility that actively engages the wider community through a series of interactive, sensory and object-led experiences. Visitors will reconnect with their history, culture, and communities through a rich tapestry of artefacts, taoka, art, and stories.
Eloise Wallace, the Director of Te Unua Museum of Southland, describes the project as a shared community space that will cater to a multigenerational audience.
“With the unique blend of historical reflection and future aspirations, Te Unua is not just a museum. Te Unua is a place where Southland is celebrated, a space where whānau can come together, where tamariki can visit with their grandparents, and where the rich heritage of Murihiku can be explored and enjoyed by all,” Eloise explains.
One of the museum building’s distinctive features will be its double-hulled waka or ‘unua’, which will span the centre of the building, connecting north and south.
The name ‘Te Unua’ was gifted by Waihōpai Rūnaka in 2021. The double-hulled waka is a reflection of dualities – mana whenua and tauiwi, arts and museum, coast and urban, Aotearoa and the world. It speaks of journeys and exploration and the achievements of communities and individuals. The strength of Te Unua is that if both parts work together you can reach your ultimate destination.
Eloise emphasises the importance of this project. “Without a museum for eight years, a whole generation has missed out on the educational and cultural experiences that such spaces and places provide". The museum will foster continuous learning through a variety of interactive and tactile exhibits, blending traditional storytelling with modern technology.
Community Trust South has been a vital supporter of this regional investment, contributing $5 million to the project.
Eloise expresses deep gratitude for this support. “The contribution from Community Trust South has been crucial in bringing our vision o f a world-class community facility to life for the people of Southland.”
The museum’s development will be marked by significant milestones. In September 2024 the demolition was completed and the blessing of the museum site is planned for October 2024 before building work begins. The new build is expected to be completed by December 2025, followed by an interior fit-out, with the grand opening planned for late 2026.
