Whanganui Regional Museum repainting project

Project typeRepaint works
Project value$840,000
Contractor nameAllan Tong Limited

Whanganui District Council is pleased to announce the repainting project for the Whanganui Regional Museum will begin on Monday, 10 February 2025. This project will refresh a significant community landmark with completion expected by mid-2025.

This project, part of the Year 1 work in the Long-Term Plan 2024-2034, has been scheduled to begin after the Downer New Zealand Masters Games 2025.

Why this project Is important

The Whanganui Regional Museum is a historic and cultural treasure for the community. Over time, the exterior paint has deteriorated, leaving the plaster exposed in several areas, particularly where weather conditions have taken a toll. This project will restore the museum’s visual appeal while ensuring its preservation for years to come.

The repainting will include a comprehensive assessment of the building’s exterior, allowing any necessary repairs to be carried out before the painting process begins. The goal is to maintain the museum’s integrity and to enhance its position as a symbol of Whanganui’s rich heritage.

This work is weather-dependent.

Scope of work

Exterior repainting: The main focus of the project is to refresh the museum’s exterior to protect and preserve the building.
Repairs: A detailed evaluation of the building’s surfaces will identify any damage that needs to be addressed before to repainting.
Heritage considerations: The project will be carried out in accordance with professional heritage guidelines to ensure the finished result aligns with the museum’s historical significance.

Impact on museum operations

The museum will be scaffolded and wrapped in stages, with the entrance and the Watt Street facades to be started first. The museum will remain OPEN, with public access still available via the front steps and side ramp closest to Pukenamu Queen's Park..

Community involvement and updates

While the repainting work is underway, the Whanganui Regional Museum will remain open to the public. All exhibitions, activities and events will continue as usual so visitors are encouraged to enjoy the museum during this process. We look forward to unveiling the museum’s refreshed exterior once the project is complete.

About the museum

The Whanganui Regional Museum is a bicultural waharoa (gateway) to local social and natural histories. It stands proudly in Pukenamu Queen’s Park, the cultural heart of Whanganui. The museum has a special relationship with mana whenua, those Māori who have historic and territorial rights over this land. It is also warmly supported by the many communities who continue to help develop it.

Learn about the people, objects, and stories that make this vibrant region so important through its stunning collection, which includes outstanding Taonga Māori, the Gottfried Lindauer Gallery of paintings of Whanganui rangatira, a remarkable moa collection, and a noteworthy collection of historical fashion and textiles.

Find out more about the museum here

Stay updated

For regular updates on the progress of the repainting project, please subscribe to this page and follow us on Facebook. We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience during this essential preservation work.

How to get involved

If you have questions or would like to learn more about the project, please feel free to contact us. We’re happy to answer any queries and provide additional information.