Whanganui Ratepayers Contribute $26M to Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment

Whanganui ratepayers will contribute approximately $26 million toward the total redevelopment cost of $79.4 million for the Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery. This significant investment includes an overspend of $19.67 million, as detailed in a final report presented by project director Gaye Batty to the Whanganui District Council’s operations and performance committee.

The redevelopment project aimed to restore, upgrade, and strengthen the 106-year-old gallery against earthquakes, alongside constructing a modern extension named Te Pātaka o Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa. The council initially committed $5 million to the project in 2015 as part of its long-term plan, later guaranteeing funding in 2017 to secure additional support from the central government.

Mayor Andrew Tripe remarked that a ratepayer contribution of one-third of the total cost is an extraordinary achievement, with the remaining two-thirds financed through fundraising efforts. “There aren’t many civic projects that receive such a level of investment from external sources,” said Tripe.

When the project commenced in 2019, the initial budget was set at $55.06 million, which included a $5.15 million contingency. However, various challenges arose throughout the process, leading to significant delays. Batty explained that issues related to the complexity of upgrading and seismic strengthening the original gallery contributed to a 21-month extension of the project timeline.

“Major projects have had to navigate the combined impacts of Covid-19 on programming, staff availability, and rising material and labor costs,” Batty stated. “Consequently, the project has significantly exceeded its original budget.”

The final project cost, confirmed following the settlement of the main contractor’s account in July 2023, is projected to reach $79.4 million by November 2025. Notably, two-thirds of the increased costs are attributed to the existing building’s condition, ground challenges, and design variations, including alterations to mechanical designs. Other factors included consent processing delays and additional works related to the eastern driveway.

Tripe acknowledged the vital role of the Sarjeant Gallery Trust and the funds raised through donations and government grants over nearly three decades, stating, “Despite Covid lockdowns, inflation, and construction delays, we now have an award-winning cultural facility that’s already generating value for our community and local economy.”

The gallery opened in November 2024 and has received international recognition, with National Geographic recently naming it one of the world’s top ten cultural hotspots to visit in 2025. According to David Langford, CEO of the Whanganui District Council, the gallery is exceeding all expectations. A recent survey indicated that nearly 60 percent of visitors are from outside the district, with most staying more than three nights, contributing an estimated $17.6 million to the local economy annually.

Last week, the gallery’s visitor count surpassed 100,000, with survey results showing a remarkable 96 percent visitor satisfaction rate. Revenue from the gallery’s café, retail shop, and venue hire has already exceeded $700,000, providing essential support for ongoing operational costs.

Langford described the five-year redevelopment as one of the most complex and rewarding projects the council has undertaken. “We were restoring and strengthening a fragile heritage building on a sandhill during a global pandemic. Despite these challenges, the project was completed to a high standard and with full transparency about costs and timeline impacts,” he explained.

Employing local contractors has injected an estimated $20.7 million into the Whanganui economy, while the construction period has generated broader economic impacts estimated between $49 million and $55 million. The successful completion of the Sarjeant Gallery redevelopment stands as a testament to collaboration and resilience in the face of adversity.